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Gang Members Join New Brotherhood: Unions

Construction trades step up recruitment

By Colleen Barry, Newser Staff

Posted May 21, 2007 7:53 AM CDT

(Newser) – As construction booms, LA's building-trade unions are stepping up recruitment in the inner city, where many new hires are former gang members. The LA Times explores a trend that's turning traditionally white, fraternal outfits like the pipefitters, sheet-metal workers and even Teamsters into majority minority—and, in some cases, majority gang—shops.

For unions, threatened by aging membership and competition from non-union workers, the recruits mean survival. The same may be true for the new hires, who embrace the high wages, the benefits and, perhaps most important, the second chance at respectability. "This is our gang now," says former Crip Albert Frey. "In a positive way, though."

Hispanic men are arrested. (KRT Photos)

Construction workers build a new house in Palo Alto, Calif., in this May 15, 2007 file photo. Higher gas prices and a sluggish housing industry are taking a toll on the economy, a gauge of future U.S.... (Associated Press)

il compared to March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.528 million units. (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac) (Associated Press)

A man taken into custody in a police car. (Magnum Photos)

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More Newser Stories

Los Angeles Gangs Make Peace to Boost Profits

Blood red and Crip blue make green

Offensive Ad's Creator to Critics: 'Suck it'

Turn Right USA not apologizing for ad many are calling racist, sexist

Is This Most Racist, Sexist Political Ad Ever ?

'Give us your cash, ho, so we can shoot up the streets,' chant gangsters

81 Busted in LA Gang Sweep

Rancho San Pedro gang dealt 'crippling blow'

Killer Nailed by Tattoo Murder 'Confession'

LA gangster tattooed crime scene on his chest

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

unions • gangs • Crips • construction • Los Angeles

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Los Angeles Gangs Make Peace to Boost Profits

Blood red and Crip blue make green

Offensive Ad's Creator to Critics: 'Suck it'

Turn Right USA not apologizing for ad many are calling racist, sexist

Is This Most Racist, Sexist Political Ad Ever ?

'Give us your cash, ho, so we can shoot up the streets,' chant gangsters

81 Busted in LA Gang Sweep

Rancho San Pedro gang dealt 'crippling blow'

Killer Nailed by Tattoo Murder 'Confession'

LA gangster tattooed crime scene on his chest

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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