FRI DEC 5 2008 — More than 200 union workers staged a protest at Republic Windows and Doors after only a three-day warning that their plant was closing shop at 1333 North Hickory Avenue (on Goose Island, near Division and Halsted).
According to Mark Meinster, United Electrical Workers International Representative, workers put it to a vote and decided that they would stay at the plant at least for the weekend or until they get what they are owed, which is 75 days with health insurance for those 75 days.
Workers are frustrated and angry considering the event occurs while Bank of America received $25 billion in the recent federal bailout. Workers were heard chanting, “You got bailed out, we got sold out.”
Bank of America has agreed to meet with a representative from Luis Gutierrez’s office, a company representative and a union representative.
A prayer vigil is also being held for workers occupying the plant at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2008.
More …
cbs2chicago.com: Workers Stay at Shuttered Window Plant
Chi-Town Daily News: Bank agrees to meet with union and workers
pilsenprole: Details on vigil at factory occupation tomorrow noon …
The United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America — ueinternational.org
Wikipedia: United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America