Ironworkers charged with racketeering, arson


February 18, 2014 at 1:57p.m.

Ironworkers charged with racketeering, arson

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Ten agents or members of a Philadelphia-area ironworkers union are being charged with federal crimes including racketeering or arson in an alleged campaign to coerce building contractors into hiring them over non-union competition.

Federal prosecutors in Philadelphia said the men were charged and arrested today.

In a 49-page grand jury indictment, prosecutors say the defendants and their associates created “goon” squads to carry out assaults, arsons and property destruction against non-union contractors in an attempt to force them to hire unionized workers.

The telephone at Ironworkers Local 401 wasn’t being answered today and a spokeswoman for the New York-based international union couldn’t immediately provide a comment.

Targeted properties allegedly included a Toys R Us store and a Quaker meetinghouse.