Unions: Protest or intimidation?

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Guests: Tom Paine Cronin and Tom Ferrick

After what the federal government says was a “concerted effort to force contractors to hire and pay” union workers, ten members of Philadelphia’s Ironworkers Local 401 were recently indicted on charges of extortion, arson and racketeering. Among the criminal acts cited was the December 2012 arson of a Quaker Meetinghouse under construction in Chestnut Hill. In this hour of Radio Times — the case against leaders and members of Ironworkers Local 401 and the line between protest and harassment when it comes to unions. We’re joined by veteran Philadelphia journalist TOM FERRICK and union leader TOM PAINE CRONIN who for over 35 years served as president of AFSCME District Council 47, one of the City’s four municipal unions.

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