By Sherie Winston

3/24/99

The union prosecutor who brought disciplinary charges against Laborers General President Arthur A. Coia is appealing the internal ruling that cleared Coia of most of those charges.

Robert Luskin, the union's general executive board attorney, says he will appeal "limited parts" of the March 9 ruling that exonerated the union chief on several charges including associating with organized crime figures and knowlingly permitting such individuals to influence union activity. Coia was fined $100,000 for a personal business venture with a union vendor that was found in violation of the union's ethical practices code. Coia's personal attorney says he will not appeal.

Luskin says he has not made a final decision on what aspects of the ruling by an independent hearing officer to appeal. But sources say they expect the appeal to focus on some of the legal standards used in the ruling. Luskin is not expected to seek reconsideration on the association with organized crime members decision.

The appeal also will be handled as an internal matter by union-appointed appellate officer W. Neil Eggleston. Luskin says he will seek an expedited review.

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