A Tennessee masonry contractor has filed for bankruptcy protection, but the bricklayers' union says the contractor owes more than $6 million to a union pension fund. While the contractor says the amount is the result of a mistake, the union says the contractor is obligated to pay.

The management of Nashville-based Wasco Inc. and its Columbia, Tenn., subsidiary, Lovell's Masonry Inc., insists its ongoing business is solid. In a January 8 press release, Wasco chief Executive Officer William A. Sneed Jr. says, "We are sound and profitable. Chapter 11 allows us protection as we continue to do business as usual."