Jay-Z and carpenters union in row

The wood-trade workers are furious after the 41-year-old daddy-to-be failed to hire union workers to revamp his famous club 40/40.

They erected five ugly inflatable rats - the sign of non-union labour use - outside the posh Manhattan venue this week.

But, according to the 99 Problems star’s rep Lauren Manache, the carpenters went too far by shouting racial abuse during the protest.

“The union is trying to bully 40/40 to hire union workers,” she said.

“They were shouting racial slurs and it was a very inappropriate demonstration,” she added.

“They even used the N-word on the street and during phone calls to 40/40 management,” she said.

The Carpenters Union did not return calls for comment.

“We have the right to hire a contractor who is not in the union,” added Manache.

The club closed on June 10th to undergo a $10 million face-lift. When the non-union labour workers have finished they will have installed a runway, pool tables, and a luxury VIP room with chandeliers and plush booths.

US Union workers argue that unless bosses hire union workers they will be subjected to unfair conditions of service and poor pay.

The club set to reopen in November.