International Union of Allied Novelty and Production Workers

Novelty Workers

Full name	International Union of Allied Novelty and Production Workers
Native name	IUANPW
Members	22,000
Country	United States
Affiliation	AFL-CIO
Key people	Mark A. Spano, President; John Serpico, convicted officer of multiple locals
Office location	1950 W. Erie St. Chicago, Illinois 60662
Website	None

The International Union of Allied Novelty and Production Workers or Novelty Workers traditionally represented workers at toy factories. Because that industry almost entirely moved to China, the trade union now represents other manufacturing, construction and healthcare workers. The Novelty Workers belong to the AFL-CIO as one of the organizations smallest members.

Organized crime

John Serpico, a prominent member of the Chicago La Cosa Nostra, held multiple paid positions with both the Novelty Workers and the Laborers Union. In 2001 case U.S. v. Serpico, a federal jury convicted him for multiple counts of mail fraud involving a kickback scheme with union pension funds.^[1] Two members of the Colombo Crime Family were also convicted under RICO for kickbacks in exchange for under-reporting union employment on behalf of a represented trucking company.^[2]

Federal prosecutors also convited labor lawyer Sanford Pollack, who represented both the Novelty Workers and Teamsters, for racketeering in order to embezzle from the organization and arson to conceal evidence.^[3][4]

References

1. ^ Heddell, Gordon S. (2001-09-30). "Semiannual Report to Congress". U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General. http://www.oig.dol.gov/public/semiannuals/46.pdf. Retrieved 2009-10-17. 
2. ^ Simpson, Cam (1999-08-05). "Feds Indict Labor Leader". Chicago Sun-Times. http://labor-unions.org/newspapers/sun-times_Serpico_8-5-99.html. Retrieved 2009-12-31. 
3. ^ "Civil RICO Actions". LIUNA. http://www.thelaborers.net/HISTORY/dol_civil_rico_actions.htm. Retrieved 2009-10-17. 
4. ^ Masten, Charles C. (1996-09-30). "Semiannual Report to Congress". U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General. http://www.scribd.com/doc/1912141/Department-of-Labor-36. Retrieved 2009-12-31.