Invoking Main Street resentment of Wall Street’s federal bailout, some 200 workers entered their third day of occupying a shuttered Chicago window and door factory on Sunday, demanding that Bank of America agree to pay them severance plus vacation pay.
Workers belonging to the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers union began their peaceful occupation of the plant on Friday after family-owned Republic Windows & Doors said it was closing after Bank of America canceled its line of credit.
The workers said Republic Windows & Doors gave them only three days notice of Friday’s closing instead of the 60 days required by law, and owes them roughly $3,500 per worker including unused vacation pay.
A union spokeswoman said Bank of America is not letting the company pay the workers.
“We’re just shocked that Bank of America, after receiving $25 billion in bailout money, not only do they refuse to extend credit to companies but, to add insult to injury, they don’t allow these companies to fulfill their legal obligations to their workers,” union spokeswoman Leah Fried said.
National Strike? Tell them They Don’t OWN US
Petition:
http://www.usalone.com/cgi-bin/petition.cgi?pnum=914
The Workers Are Cut Off By Bank America
The employer (Republic Windows And Doors http://www.montereyherald.com/ci_11161578?nclick_check=1&forced=true) states that Bank America told them they cannot pay the workers their separation and vacation pay when Bank America received billions from the government of the PEOPLE of the United States.
See 60 Minutes Footage/transcript w/head of Bank of America, Ken Lewis:
“The total was $125 billion of taxpayers’ money. Bank of America, Lewis says, didn’t need the money _ but got $25 billion anyway.”
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/19/60minutes/main4531244.shtml)
So why are they holding back a few thousand for the employees who are about to lose their livelihood? And will the company owners walk away with the untold liquidation numbers? And Bank America stalls the line of credit when they have these funds from OUR government.
“Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration.” Lincoln’s First Annual Message to Congress, December 3, 1861.
The one click form below will send your personal message to all your government representatives selected below, with the subject “Should There Be a Workers Strike Countrywide For The Chicago Republic Window And Door Group?” At the same time you can send your personal comments only as a letter to the editor of your nearest local daily newspaper if you like.
Thanx for the input and hopefully more people will read and act in favor of workers everywhere.