Employees who recently lost their jobs in Chicago are currently protesting layoffs. According to the Associated Press, approximately 250 union workers who used to work for the Republic Windows and Doors plant have refused to leave the building.
Although these employees are upset about losing their jobs in Chicago, the real problem is the fact that the company only gave them three days’ notice about the fact that the factory would be closing. Even if the economy was in a better condition, this would not be long enough for anyone to be able to find a new place of employment.
The workers effected are taking shifts occupying the plant. They have said that they will not leave the building until their previous employer assures them that they will all get severance and vacation pay. Union leaders stationed outside the facility have criticized the government’s decision to bail out many on Wall Street while workers are being left behind.
According to the AP, Leah Fried, who is with the United Electrical Workers, has said that the manufacturer neglected to give the workers 60 days worth of notice about the plant’s closing, which is required by law. Fried went on to say that during the last two days workers have been cleaning the building.
Fried has said that the reason the company has not paid the 300 employees who were effected by the plant closing is because its creditor, Bank of America, will not allow them to. The bank recently received $25 billion from the financial industry bailout, yet they have said they are not responsible for Republic’s obligations to their workers.
On Sunday one union member told Fox News that they are willing to go to jail if it necessary to get the company to take care of those who have lost their jobs. So far, protest have remained peaceful.