UE Local 1110 members in Chicago, employees at Republic Windows and Doors have occupied their workplace since Friday night in a courageous bid to win what they are owed and to save their jobs.
Earlier Friday, they learned the plant would be closing that day as Bank of America, flush with U.S. government bailout cash, had refused to extend Republic's line of credit. They found out the bank had also refused to allow Republic to pay them what they were owed.
They realized their only real chance at winning a measure of fairness would be to guard, and guarantee the safety, of the only asset at their disposal ¬ their workplace.
A World of Support
Since then, worldwide support has poured in as the news of a plant sitdown ¬ rarely seen in the U.S. since the 1930s ¬ spread like wildfire. By early Monday morning, a Google news search found nearly 1,500 story references. One Facebook group grew from 800 to 2,400 members between noon and midnight Sunday.
Working people, caught in the turmoil of the current economic crisis have found new hope in the actions of these UE members. And, that's not gone unnoticed.
Politicians, including president-elect Barack Obama, members of Congress, members of the Illinois legislature, Chicago city officials and civil rights leaders including the Rev. Jesse Jackson have all voiced their support for this fight. We hope you will, too.
What You Can Do
From stopping by the plant (if you're in or near Chicago) to sending a message of solidarity to making a much-needed donation to telling Bank of America to be honorable in its actions ... these are just some of the ways you can help ... and they are all listed on the UE web site at:
http://www.ueunion.org/index.html
For some recent press and video, see:
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politic...120708.article
http://cbs2chicago.com/video/?id=52217@wbbm.dayport.com
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4653806n
Robin Alexander
United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE)
UE Director of International Labor Affairs
One Gateway Center, Suite 1400
420 Fort Duquesne Blvd.
PGH., PA. 15222-1416
412-471-8919
412-471-8999 FAX
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