Inflatable rats protest nonunion workers
An inflatable rat like the ones often used to protest the hiring of nonunion help, similar to this one at a rally in Manhattan, popped up around the Melville area during the week of May 14, 2012. (June 23, 2000) Credit: Sue Calvin
The Giant Rodents were back on Route 110 near Walt Whitman Road in Melville earlier this week.
These are the big inflatable balloons shaped like rats that are used mostly by unionized construction workers to protest the hiring of nonunion help.
The rodents move around a lot; earlier this week, they were stationed across the street from the Racanelli Construction Co. Inc. at 1895 Walt Whitman Rd. The unionized rodent minders did not wish to be quoted by name, but said the Racanelli company has hired nonunion help at many of its construction sites. Racanelli officials did not return calls Thursday seeking comment.
James Castellane, president of the Hauppauge-based Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk, which represents 36 locals, said he does not authorize the placement of the rodents anywhere on Long Island.
The rodents "have nothing to do with the council," Castellane said. "It has to do with the people who perform the labor. It's independent." Castellane noted the rodents were also near a house of worship on Walt Whitman Road, not just Racanelli headquarters.
"The rodents have a mind of their own," Castellane said. "A lot of them are very religious."
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