Chicago factory workers protest layoffs

(image by Jobs for Justice via flickr)

Last week, over 200 factory workers were laid off from the Republic Windows and Doors plant in Chicago. They didn't go home. Instead, the workers began a six-day sit-in to protest unfair practices by their employer. The laid-off workers, who are mostly Latino, were being denied severance and vacation pay by Republic Windows, which closed its doors after losing its financing from Bank of America. The factory, which only gave its workers a three-day notice about the lay-offs (a 60-day notice is required by law), was occupied by upset employees who said they would remain at work until they were paid what they were owed.

Plant worker Raul Flores: "We are very upset to see a situation where the banks get a bailout with money out of our pockets, and we all get fired.” President-elect Barack Obama, who began his political career in Chicago, voiced his support: “I think they’re absolutely right and understand that what’s happening to them is reflective of what’s happening across this economy.”

Bank of America soon bowed to the pressure and announced it would provide loans to the Republic Windows and Doors plant so it could pay its workers. JP Morgan & Chase also offered $400,000 on the condition that “every cent go immediately to the workers so they can have a good Christmas.” After days of negotiations, the workers finally agreed to a $1.75 million settlement with Bank of America. Estimated at $7,000 per worker, each employee will receive eight weeks' salary, vacation pay and two months' paid health care.

Plant worker Lalo Muñoz: "We lost the jobs but we got something."