Brooklyn Unions Would Like to Give Magic the Hook

Magic Johnson is sure to be in the spotlight this weekend, with his alma mater Michigan State's place in the Final Four falling on the 30th anniversary of his legendary National Championship with the Spartans. So some Brooklyn union workers are using the extra attention to point out some of the basketball star-turned-entrepreneur's shady business practices. At a rally this week, City Councilwoman Letitia James said, "Magic Johnson should be ashamed of himself. here is nothing magic about what he does. What he does is prey upon poor people." Magic and his business partners have not unionized One Hanson Place, despite 90% of other luxury buildings hiring union workers. Johnson is also a spokesman for Jackson Hewitt and Rent-A-Center, both of which have been accused of predatory business practices. One local union rep said, "It's a disgrace to see Johnson actively promoting businesses that we believe hurt low-income communities."