Tappan Zee builder faces new union lawsuit

The consortium designing and building the Tappan Zee Bridge replacement is facing a second lawsuit from a building trades labor group about money owed for benefit funds.

The plaintiffs, all of which are associated with the New York City District Council of Carpenters, filed a complaint on May 7 in U.S. District Court claiming that during an audit period from April 8, 2013, to August 10, 2014, Tappan Zee Constructors LLC failed to make $187,186.37 in contributions to union funds. The funds include coverage for pensions, training programs and employee benefits.

Plaintiffs are requesting the amount owed during the auditing period, plus interest damages, audit costs and attorney expenses.

The law firm representing the union and Tappan Zee Constructors both declined to comment.

In a separate lawsuit, a federal judge ruled in favor of TZC in April over a dispute with a national union over $7.3 million in wages.

In that case, the bridge contractor and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America disagreed on the work assignments made for carpenters and dockbuilders. Dockbuilders make about $20 more per hour than carpenters.

The union is appealing the U.S. District Court decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second District.