Point Ruston developer sues union, activist group
Point Ruston LLC, a developer working on an urban village to be located on what was previously a copper plant, is suing the Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters and the Jobs with Justice Education Fund. Point Ruston claims both groups have interfered with contractual agreements and business activities, as well as trespassed, damaged property, and made defamatory statements. Neither the union nor Jobs with Justice have been served with the suit yet, though a union spokesperson commented that it is not uncommon for developers to sue unions over disagreements. The union and Jobs with Justice claim that nonunion workers were being paid less than the prevailing wage, and not properly informed of and trained on the dangers of the job ? including exposure to toxic materials. Point Ruston maintains it is fully compliant with all rules and regulations regarding safety.
See "Point Ruston developer sues union, activist group", John Gillie, The News Tribune, April 22, 2009