CARPENTERS CALL JAY Z & THE 40/40 CLUB NI**AS & ERECTED 5 RATS OUTSIDE THE CLUB!

Hip-hop hot shot Jay-Z is getting hammered by carpenters for using nonunion labor for the facelift of his Manhattan club 40/40.

But the carpenters union, which erected five inflatable rats outside the Chelsea joint this week, has gone too far by shouting the N-word at management, according to Jay-Z's rep.

"The union is trying to bully 40/40 to hire union workers. They were shouting racial slurs. It was really inappropriate protesting," said Lauren Menache, a spokeswoman for the Brooklyn-born singer.

The union members used the "N-word" during protests and in phone calls to 40/40 management, said Menache.

The New York City District Council of Carpenters did not return calls for comment.

The club is in a nonunion building, said Menache, giving the contractors the freedom to hire carpenters. "We confirmed that we have the right to hire a contractor that is not in the union," she said.

The club closed in June to begin a $10 million renovation, which includes a runway, pool tables, chandeliers and VIP lounges with plush seats.

It's expected to reopen in November.



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