The large inflatable rat, commonly seen in the past at MacAllister Machinery Inc., on SR 15, south of Leesburg, has made its way to the new Syracuse Elementary site.

SYRACUSE — The International Union of Operating Engineers Local No. 150, out of Countryside, Ill., is now picketing the current Syracuse Elementary and the future elementary site. Two men, one at each site, have been at the locations since late last week.

The picketers are on the public right of way and not interfering with entrance to either locations. Police were called to the current Syracuse Elementary location after a parent reported the picketers were scaring a 5-year-old going to school. Police went to the scene but the union was within its legal rights.

The union is picketing the use of Dirig Sheet Metal at the new school site. According to flyers handed out by the picketers, the school corporation is using “a rat subcontractor” to perform work. The union is also picking MacAllister Machinery Inc., also doing business as Michigan Rental and Michigan Cat Rental Services.

The union is encouraging the public not to patronize these businesses. However the flyer states IUOE Local 150 is not seeking to induce any person to cease work or to refuse to pick up, make deliveries or transport goods.

The union has been picketing in various areas around the county since March.

Edward Maher, communications director with the Local 150, stated in an email to InkFreeNews in March, “The Local 150 filed unfair labor practice charges against MacAllister with the National Labor Relations Board Feb. 23 and March 7 on two separate incidents.” “One charge alleges that MacAllister unlawfully retaliated against two employees for engaging in federally protected activity and the other alleges that MacAllister interfered with Local 150’s lawful right to strike. Both charges are currently under investigation by the National Labor Relations Board.”

A union picketer outside the current Syracuse Elementary School.