Bank bail out didn't include 200 laid off workers and they fight back

UPDATE 12/8/08

Governor, Obama back workers' 'occupation'
Workers at a Chicago, Illinois, window factory knew something was up when machines from the plant would disappear during weekends. After the abrupt layoff announcement last week, about 200 workers staged a "peaceful occupation" and insisted they get the 60-days of severance they are due. President-elect Obama threw his support behind them, and today the Illinois governor followed suit. full story


Remember all the money that was supposed to free up the credit? The money tax payers have to fund? Looks like all that money did not include the worders at Republic Windows and the money they thought they were promised when they worked for the company and did their jobs. Nice work Bank of America. Tax payers take care of banks, pay interest on loans and then have to kick in to help them stay in business but when it comes to doing what that money was supposed to go to, they forget about that.

Laid-off workers won't leave window factory
Republic Windows & Doors shut its doors Friday, but more than 200 workers reportedly refused to leave the North Side manufacturer, demanding assurances they'll get severance and vacation pay that they are owed.

Carrying signs that read "Bank of America: Don't Steal Christmas," workers at a North Side manufacturer continued their protest today after the company shut its doors on three days' notice because the bank canceled its line of credit.

Republic Windows & Doors closed Friday after being in business since 1965. Members of the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers, which represents 260 workers at the company's Goose Island plant, have taken shifts at a sit-in at the plant, 1333 N. Hickory Ave., since Friday.

The union said the bank is not letting the company pay workers their vacation and severance pay. In addition, the union said they were not given 60 days' notice of a mass layoff, as required by federal law.

"They're throwing people out on the street with three days' notice, penniless," said Leah Fried, an organizer with United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers.

The company told employees Tuesday that its main lender, Bank of America, had canceled its line of credit because of a severe downturn in business at the plant.
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