the company got millions of dollars of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) money from the city to set the plant up in 1996.

Supposedly the bank told the company to shutter without paying severance as required by law. It was asserted by the company and later denied.

the ideal outcome is that, in a "hang on to your assets" economy, and under the influence of a "stimulus by improved energy independence and infrastructure" campaign, this company would do well...selling more efficient glazing to home owners who are stuck with the energy wasting house they bought last year.

we can dream...

Freedom is not more important than fairness, just easier to sell and a lot easier to fake.

Republic Workers End Sit-In, Claim Victory

After a six day sit-in by workers at the Republic Windows and Doors factory, an agreement to end the protest was reached. The workers approved a $1.75 million deal which will pay each worker eight weeks' salary, all accrued vacation pay and two months' paid health care. Late last night the workers voted unanimously to end the strike after a 20-hour negotiation involving union members, Republic management, members from the lender companies, and others such as U.S. Rep Luis Gutierrez. We mentioned the $400,000 from JP Morgan Chase that was put towards the deal; in addition, Bank of America has agreed to loan Republic management another $1.35 million.

Armando Robles, president of the plant's union, said, "The occupation is over. We have achieved victory. We said we will not go until we got justice and we have it." Gutierrez added, "Federal law was established, and today we made sure that federal law was respected here in Chicago." Bank of America had cut the company's line of credit last week, forcing the factory to close on short notice, all in spite of receiving billions of dollars in the recent financial bailout package. Union officials say they may try to figure out a way to reopen the plant under new management.

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