Developer uses ruse to get crane by protesters
A Philadelphia developer says it used a decoy truck to sneak a construction crane onto property where it’s renovating a former factory into residential space.
Union protesters have been blocking equipment and deliveries at the former Goldtex site in the city’s loft district over complaints the developer is using non-unionized workers.
But Post Brothers Apartments says it employed a decoy truck and a circuitous route on Wednesday to sneak a crane on to the property accompanied by private security.
Protests have been under way at the site since March over the developer’s workforce. City officials say they can’t stop the protests because it could be successfully challenged as an infringement on protesters’ rights.
Post Brothers CEO Michael Pestronk tells The Philadelphia Inquirer the ruse cost the company about $30,000.
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