Hundreds of unionized concrete workers refused to work Monday at the World Trade Center and a smattering of other sites, setting the stage for a possible strike in the coming days.
The work action stopped construction on part of the World Trade Center's 800,000-square-foot transit hub, according to a person familiar with the matter. Some construction tradesmen continued work there Monday, but a prolonged work stoppage could affect all construction that needs concrete to proceed, according to that person.
Construction proceeded at other sites where workers didn't show up Monday, including the new basketball arena at Atlantic Yards in Brooklyn.
It was not known if a strike vote had been scheduled. The contract covering more than 2,000 concrete workers from three local unions expired on June 30. Since then, the concrete workers have been operating without a new contract.
One looming question remains: If the concrete workers do strike, will other trades cross the picket line?
