Homestead mailing list

[bob ford <bobford79 AT yahoo.com>]

I really don't know what to make of this except I think these people are 
wasting their time.  Evidently this is the first 'sit-in' of a closing 
business, since the 1930s, according to this article


-------------------------------------------------------------------------


 Idled workers occupy factory in Chicago

Associated Press Writer – 1 hr 4 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.

Leah Fried, an organizer with the United Electrical Workers, said the 
Chicago-based vinyl window manufacturer failed to give 60 days' notice 
required by law before shutting down.

Workers also were angered when company officials didn't show up for a meeting 
Friday that had been arranged by U.S. Rep Luis Gutierrez, a Chicago Democrat, 
she said.

During the peaceful takeover, workers have been shoveling snow and cleaning 
the building, Fried said.

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

Union officials said another meeting with the company is scheduled for Monday.

Representatives of Republic Windows did not immediately respond Saturday to 
calls and e-mails seeking comment.

Police spokeswoman Laura Kubiak said authorities were aware of the situation 
and officers were patrolling the area.

Crain's Chicago Business reported that the company's monthly sales had fallen 
to $2.9 million from $4 million during the past month. In a memo to the 
union, obtained by the business journal, Republic CEO Rich Gillman said the 
company had "no choice but to shut our doors."


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081206/ap_on_re_us/workers_takeover