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Philadelphia Solidarity With Republic Windows Workers
by
John Kalwaic | 12.11.2008
Summary: On Wednesday December 10th at 4:30pm a small crowd gathered at the main Bank of America in Philadelphia near City Hall at 16th and JFK. The crowd had gathered to protest both the government sponsored bailout of Bank of America as well as the fact that this bank did not help out the laid-off workers of Republic Windows and Doors the bank funds. Philadelphia Solidarity With Republic Windows Workers By John Kalwaic On Wednesday December 10th at 4:30pm a small crowd gathered at the main Bank of America in Philadelphia near City Hall at 16th and JFK. The crowd had gathered to protest both the government sponsored bailout of Bank of America as well as the fact that this bank did not help out the laid-off workers of Republic Windows and Doors the bank funds. Workers at Republic Windows and Doors in Chicago were told they were being laid-off by the company without any notice or severance pay. Workers of Republic Windows and Doors who are union members of United Electrical Radio and Machine Workers of America Local 1110 decided to occupy the factory in a rare sit-down strike in a rare action that has not been seen in the United States since the 1930’s. Protests have pooped up all over the United Sates against The Bank of America because its refusal to help the workers of Republic Windows and Doors despite it’s funding of the company and because it is receiving bailout money from the US federal government. The Bank of America has also come under attack on many other fronts. Some of these criticisms have come from environmentalists who oppose the Bank’s funding of coal companies who practice mountain top removal. The day before the protest a false notice went out saying that the workers of UE Local 1110 and Republic Windows and Doors had reached an agreement, however at that time that was not true because members of UE Local 1110 and Republic Windows and Doors were still in the process of negotiations. Around 12-14 protestors braved the dark and rainy December day to go to the protest in front of the bank. Protestors chanted, “corporations get bailed, workers get soled out.” A range of people came to the protests including members of the Industrial Workers of the World, the International Action Center and the People’s Democratic Uhuru Movement. Protesters held sings saying honk to support Republic Workers or Honk if you’re against the bailout. Many passers by including people in cars and trucks honked as they saw the demonstrators holding up the rain tattered signs. The demonstration had more people than expected who came despite the poor lighting, bad weather and false information. Later that night Republic Windows and UE Local 1110 final agreed to a settlement and the workers ended the occupation. The Bank of America has forwarded a check to JPMorgan chase for $4000,000 to pay for the workers vacation pay and benefits. |
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