Reply #54: Tribune has this story now

[RetroLounge]

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/12/republic-windows-job-cuts-protest.html

of coure, it's just an AP copy. You think they could report on it themselves?

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Republic Windows & Doors shut its doors Friday, but more than 200 workers reportedly refused to leave the North Side manufacturer, demanding assurances they'll get severance and vacation pay that they say they are owed.

Some of the former employees, who said they found out they lost their jobs three days before the plant was shut down, said they learned they would not get previously earned vacation pay or insurance coverage as promised. They have been occupying the plant in shifts.

Today, about 50 workers could be seen through a window sitting on chairs and pallets on the factory floor. Reporters were asked to stay out of the plant's work area.

"We're going to stay here until we win justice," said Blanca Funes, 55, of Chicago, after occupying the building for several hours. Speaking in Spanish, Funes said she fears losing her home without the wages she feels she's owed. A 13-year employee of Republic, she estimated her family can make do for three months without her paycheck. Most of the factory's workers are Hispanic.

Leah Fried, an organizer with the United Electrical Workers, says Republic failed to give 60 days' notice required by law, The Associated Press reported. 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, Fried said.

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RL