Workers Occupying Factory Need your Support!

Bank of America, Recipient of $25 Billion in Bailout

Pulls Financing at Factory; 300 Workers Lose Jobs


What: Picket to Demand Plant stay Open!

When: Picket at 12noon - 1pm, Monday, Dec 8th

Where: Bank of America, Corner of Trade St and Tryon St, Charlotte


Background: Bank of America controls the day to day finances of Chicago-based Republic Windows and Doors, LLC, closed its doors on Friday December 5th. The company, in business since 1965, announced to its workforce that the Bank has ended its financing. Republic has told workers that Bank of America has refused to allow payment of money owed under the WARN Act and vacation pay.

Workers have been occupying their factory refusing to leave until Bank of America comply with federal and state WARN Acts which require 60 days notice before the closure of a workplace or 60 days pay in leiu of notice. Bank of America received 25 billion in federal bailout funds yet still refuses to support these workers!

"Just weeks before Christmas we are told our factory will close in three days", says Armando Robles, a maintenance employee and local union president, "taxpayers gave Bank of America billions and they turn around and close our company, we will fight for a bailout for workers."

National television news networks CNN News and Fox are running reports on the following story involving the UE members in Chicago. Several national news media outlets have covered this fast-developing story; several links are provided below. More news to follow as it becomes available...

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-workersoccupyfact,0,1928458.story

http://www.france24.com/en/20081206-laid-off-workers-furious-bank-pulls-chicago-plants-credit

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/republic-windows-doors-120508.html