2 Plead Guilty in Philly Ironworkers Union Intimidation Case

Several Philadelphia ironworkers are pleading guilty in a labor intimidation case that involves the arson of a Quaker meeting house.

Prosecutors say defendants Francis O'Donnell and William Gillin pleaded guilty Monday to racketeering conspiracy, arson and other charges.

A February indictment charges 10 union members with torching the meetinghouse and destroying other property over the use of non-union labor.

The indictment says that "goon" squads assaulted and intimidated people and caused thousands of dollars worth of property damage.

Court records show that six people intend to plead guilty. Two more pleas are set for Tuesday.

Union business manager Joseph Dougherty and three others are set for trial in January.

A lawyer for O'Donnell, of Warminster, is declining comment. A lawyer for Gillin, of Philadelphia, did not immediately return a message.