HOBOKEN – A large pro-union inflatable rat, commonly seen in New York City near controversial construction sites, has made its way to Washington Street in Hoboken.
Laborers Local 78, a New York City-based asbestos, lead, and hazardous waste removal labor union, has placed the inflatable rat and a coffin outside of the Hoboken YMCA at 1300 Washington St. while work is being completed inside. The large inflatable rat is commonly used by unions to protest work being done by non-union groups and members.
The group is questioning the past practices of the company completing work, Faith Environmental. A flyer from the union urges the public to call the executive director of the YMCA in protest of the work being done.
The flyer says the workers are doing asbestos abatement.
A call for comment from the YMCA’s executive director was not immediately returned, as was a call to the organizing director of the union. – Ray Smith