New York City is known for rats. They scurry around the subway tracks, they eat pizza, they’re basically NYC’s unofficial mascot. I once dressed up as a giant rat and most New Yorker didn’t even bat an eye. Rats are as iconic a New York cliché as yellow taxi cabs!

But have you heard of or seen the lesser known giant, inflatable, union rat?

The Union Rat, as this species is colloquially called, is a giant inflatable rat that a pissed off workers will place outside a business that is not complying with their union. There’s always someone hanging out with the icky-looking rat, handing out flyers explaining their grievances.

Why?

Nothing draws attention quite like giant, demonic, inflatable rat!

Inflatable Rat PROS:

1. Free speech!

2. Much easier to assemble than a picket line.

3. They draw attention and shame businesses that are not complying with unions and treating employees unfairly. These are important things for the public to know!

Inflatable Rat CONS:

1. Very few New York buildings have only one business in them. It’s hard to know what business is being shamed! I’ve worked at two places where union rats appeared outside and the companies had to get defensive- “It’s not about us!”

2. Children live in this city! There is no doubt in my mind that if I’d seen one of these rats before the age of five or six, I would have been DESTROYED. I’m talking screaming, crying, nightmares for months. Granted, I was sheltered softy compared to any kid who’s been on the MTA even once…but still!

3. Aren’t the actual rats we have to walk by every day disgusting enough? Giant inflatable rats are gross to look at.

Does the good outweigh the bad? 

What’s your experience with rats in NYC or rats in general? How about unions?