Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Factory Sit-In Ends in Victory

Workers win severance and benefits

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 11, 2008 2:44 AM CST

(Newser) – Laid-off workers who occupied a Chicago factory have agreed to end their sit-in after winning severence pay and benefits, Reuters reports. Each of the 200 workers at shuttered Republic Windows and Doors will receive two months pay, accrued vacation and two months health care coverage. The $1.75 million cost of the deal is being covered by the company's creditors.

The occupation came to symbolize Main Street's resentment of the Wall Street bailouts. "This money will only be used to pay the workers the benefits they are owed under the law, and will not, under any circumstance, be used for corporate bonuses, luxury cars or any other perk for the owners," said local Rep. Luis Gutierrez , who brokered the deal.

Demonstrators march through downtown Chicago in support of Republic Windows and Doors workers.
Demonstrators march through downtown Chicago in support of Republic Windows and Doors workers.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Picketers march in support of workers occupying the Republic Windows and Doors factory in Chicago.
Picketers march in support of workers occupying the Republic Windows and Doors factory in Chicago.   (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
Rep. Luis Gutierrez brokered a deal which ends the occupation of a window and door factory that gives 200 workers severance pay and some benefits.
Rep. Luis Gutierrez brokered a deal which ends the occupation of a window and door factory that gives 200 workers severance pay and some benefits.   (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

US Banks Paid Employees Record $145B in 2009

US Banks Hiring Again After Layoffs, Bailouts

Feds Let Lehman Fail—Then Loaned It $138B Anyway

Bank Woes Push Dow Down 196

JPMorgan to Pay Chicago Protesters


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne