IN 4TH DAY, Worker Sit-In at Republic Windows and Doors, Chicago Attracts Support from IL Governor, Top Pols!
IL GOVERNOR TO SUSPEND STATE BUSINESS WITH REPUBLIC'S CREDITOR, BANK OF AMERICA, UNTIL COMPANY CREDIT LINE REINSTATED, JOBS RESTORED!
Here on the North Side of Chicago, in the Old Town Neighborhood, a worker sit-in for a shuttered company is drawing nationwide attention. It's a bit iconic in its relationship to the current sluggishness in the Chicago Real Estate Market, as well as Federal Bank Bailout Action to address that sluggishness.
Now, the workers are gaining support of local and national politicians, including President-Elect Barack Obama, IL Senator Dick Durbin, Chicago Congressman Luis Gutierrez, and the Reverend Jesse Jackson, in addition to the IL Governor.
The company is Republic Windows and Doors, a long-time supplier to builders and developers in Chicago, the surrounding suburbs, and nationwide. The company closed its doors with scant notice after the Bank of America, canceled the company's line of credit to cover operating expenses.
Workers were ordered to leave the plant after the company closed last Friday, but most have not. About 200 unionized Republic workers are staging a sit-in at the company, around the clock, attempting to get the company to pay them vacation pay due as well as severance pay.
The union has been attempting to get creditor Bank of America to revive the credit line. Their response: the bank is not responsible for Republic's financial obligations to its employees.
But the workers have friends and supporters in politically high places. Today, the Governor of Illinois, Democrat Rod Blagojevich, appeared at the plant, and publicly announced the State of IL would suspend banking business with B of A until they restore Republic financing, allowing the Republic employees to receive their vacation pay and severance due them.
Illinois Democratic Senator Richard Durbin met with the workers this morning, and promised to return to Washington with questions as to whether the lender is using its recently-awarded Federal Bailout Funds appropriately.
Over the weekend, Reverend Jesse Jackson visited the sit-in to show solidarity with the workers. IL Attorney General Lisa Madigan commented Sunday she is investigating Republic for signs of wrong-doing by its management. Even President-Elect Obama, speaking from his hometown Chicago, said during a Sunday news conference Republic should keep promises made to its employees.
A meeting between Republic management, Bank of America officials, and leaders of the union representing laid--off workers will be meeting this afternoon to see if this situation can be resolved. Congressman Gutierrez contends Federal Regulations require a minimum 60 days notice or severance pay to employees in the event of a company closure or plant shutdown.
See continuing coverage via the Chicago Tribune today. Video is also included via this link.
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