Anthony J. Frizzi, ex-boss of Int’l Ass’n of Mach. Local S25, pled guilty Apr. 3 to soliciting and accepting illegal payments from an employer who had entered into a collective bargaining agreement with the S. Boston local.
Frizzi played a key role for Local S25 in negotiating a 1995 contract with Boston Ship Repair, Inc. Frizzi then represented Local S25 in its dealings with BSR. In 1996, Frizzi informed BSR that he wanted to be placed on its payroll, even though he wouldn’t perform any work and was receiving a union salary. BSR agreed, in the belief that doing so would help to ensure favorable labor relations.
Asst. U.S. Atty. Mark W. Pearlstein said, Frizzi knew that it was illegal for him to be paid by BSR under these circumstances. Frizzi allegedly attempted to conceal his receipt of these payments by providing BSR with his son’s social security number for payroll purposes. Pearlstein said, “Frizzi…received $30,826 in ‘no show payments’ from [BSR], a company whose employees were represented by the Union which Frizzi led. Federal Labor Law strictly prohibits the solicitation and receipt of such payments, in order to ensure the loyalty of Union officials and to prevent Union officials from extorting tribute from employers.” Frizzi faces up to 5 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. [USAO D. Mass., Media Release 3/24, 4/3/00]