Local Union Tests Out 'Rat-Mobile' To Aid In Protests
By Tim Jimenez
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A local union will be using a rodent on wheels to try to get its message across.
For years, unions have been using inflatable rats in protests against their employers or places that use non-union workers.
"[Its] pretty synonymous with tax cheats and people who don't play by the laws, people who have OSHA violations, people who just flat out misuse workers," says John Dougherty, business manager for IBEW Local 98.
But Dougherty says they're now test driving a rat on wheels.
"Yeah, we got the new 'Rat-mobile.' It's like a min-van that's been designed by a good friend of the unions and I tell you, it looks sharp. It's got the speakers in the ears. It's got the tail, it looks authentic," he explains.
He says the rat-mobile may make its way down the shore, taking the protest to the beach houses of some employers, so instead of "watching the tram car, please," it'll be watch the rat car.
As for the inflatable rat, Dougherty says it hasn't been put out to pasture yet.
