Union Workers Occupy Chicago Factory! Updated with How to Help.

( – promoted by buhdydharma )

It’s the 1930s, folks.  In Chicago, workers have been driven to the wall and are taking action:

Idled workers occupy factory in Chicago

By RUPA SHENOY, Associated Press Writer Rupa Shenoy, Associated Press Writer – 43 mins ago

CHICAGO – Workers laid off from their jobs at a factory have occupied the building and are demanding assurances they’ll get severance and vacation pay that they say they are owed.

About 200 employees of Republic Windows and Doors began their sit-in Friday, the last scheduled day of the plant’s operation.

“We’re going to stay here until we win justice,” said Blanca Funes, 55, of Chicago, after occupying the building for several hours. Speaking in Spanish, Funes said she fears losing her home without the wages she feels she’s owed. A 13-year employee of Republic, she estimated her family can make do for three months without her paycheck. Most of the factory’s workers are Hispanic.

snip

“We’re doing something we haven’t since the 1930s, so we’re trying to make it work,” Fried said.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/…

Here’s a great first hand report from Fred Kronsky, a blogger and head of a Chicago teachers union:

We were not exactly sure what we were going to do when we got there.

Republic Windows and Doors had suddenly announced it was shuttering its plant. The law requires 60 days notice or 60 days pay. The workers had received neither.

So, instead of leaving, they decided to stay.

It just seemed like we needed to let the folks who were sitting-in at Republic Windows and Doors know that they had support.

snip

Armando Robles came up to our car.

“I’m Fred Klonsky. I’m president of a teachers’ union local and we wanted to come by and show our support.

Senor Robles stuck out his hand. We shook. “I’m the local president here.”

“What do you need?”

“Coffee,” Robles said. “We’ve been inside since this morning and the people had some lunch, but nothing since then.”

“How many people?” I asked.

“About 150.”

Hmmm. 150 coffees.

http://preaprez.wordpress.com/…

More, after the fold.

Here’s a link to Chicago Tribune video:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/…

More from Klonsky.  Please read his whole post.  Chicago Congressman Luis Gutierrez is showing support.

Congressman Luis Gutierrez arrived while we were there and met with the workers. He promised a full investigation of the actions of Bank of America and Republic. And a meeting is scheduled for Monday between the union, the owners and the bank.

http://preaprez.wordpress.com/…

Link to the union involved:

http://www.ueunion.org/

Here’s part of their report:

Breaking News: UE Members in Chicago Occupy Plant in Struggle for Justice

06 December, 2008

Chicago, IL

Members of UE Local 1110 who work at Republic Windows and Doors in Chicago have been forced to resort to drastic action to try to force their employer to meet its obligations to the workforce.

http://www.ueunion.org/uenewsu…

Please help the union in any way you can.

This song is fitting:

We must show solidarity with these workers.

Update I: How we can help:

Members of Local 1110 need your support.  Make checks payable to the UE Local 1110 Solidarity Fund, and mail to: 37 S. Ashland, Chicago, IL 60607.  For more information, call UE at 312-829-8300.