Hispanic workers sue union local

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Two Youngstown masonry workers have sued Bricklayers Local 8 and its representative, saying they were denied membership in the union because of their Hispanic ethnicity.

Jose Hernandez, of Florida Avenue, and Eliel Rodriguez Rivera, of Superior Street, sued the Austintown-based local and its representative, Jerre Riggle, in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court this week.

Each lawsuit demands a jury trial and damages in excess of $75,000.

In separate lawsuits against Riggle and the local, Hernandez and Rivera allege Riggle told them they couldn’t join the labor union “because Local 8 did not want any more Mexican members.”

Because of the purported discrimination in violation of state law, the complaints said Hernandez and Rivera suffered lost wages and benefits and psychological pain and humiliation.

The complaints were filed by Atty. Mark A. Hanni.

Union leaders did not return repeated calls seeking comment.