Scabby the giant inflatable protest rat faces extermination by national labor board
CHICAGO - For nearly 30 years, Scabby the Rat, a giant inflatable balloon with sharp claws, a perpetual snarl and a menacing demeanor, has loomed over construction sites across Chicago and beyond to protest the hiring of nonunion labor.
Like deep dish pizza, skyscrapers and the Ferris Wheel, the giant inflatable rat is a Chicago creation that has found its way into the broader culture. Scabby had a memorable star turn on a "Sopranos" TV episode centered around a construction work stoppage.
But soon, Scabby the Rat - who comes in a variety of sizes and designs - may be out of work.
The National
