Updated: UE says Talks Continuing. (Republic Window Workers Win!)

( – promoted by buhdydharma )

Update again:  Looks even closer:

Leah Fried, a spokeswoman for the union representing the workers, said Tuesday that it was too soon to know whether the sit-in will be called off. She said that workers would have to vote to end the action but that negotiations among the bank, the company and union representative continued.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28…

The media appears to have jumped the gun.  UE says talks continuing.  Sorry.  Victory is close, but not yet here.

Talks that began at 1:00 pm today in Chicago are continuing. No settlement has reached at this time.

Yesterday, Bank of America issued a statement that it was willing to provide a “limited amount” of additional loans to Republic Windows and Doors to help resolve the plant occupation.

Late this afternoon some news organizations published stories, based on the bank’s statement yesterday, that are factually incorrect (an accurate account appears on the Chicago-Sun Times website).

We will provide updated information as it becomes available.

http://www.ueunion.org/uenewsu…

“Bank of America is prepared to make these additional loans despite the fact that Bank of America is not obligated to pay Republic’s employees or make additional loans to Republic,” the bank¹s statement said.

Republic, its worker representatives and others are meeting this afternoon to try to resolve the standoff. The Bank of America spokeswoman said she did not know whether the bank¹s offer would be discussed at the meeting.

http://www.suntimes.com/busine…

This just means we keep up the pressure.  Victory is close!!

Agressive struggle!

Earlier report:

CHICAGO – Bank of America says it will extend credit to a Chicago window and door maker whose workers have occupied the factory for five days.

The bank said Tuesday that it’s willing to give the Republic Windows and Doors factory “a limited amount of additional loans.” That’s so it can resolve claims of employees who have staged a sit-in since Friday.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/200…

Direct action works!  There’s a lesson here.  No more just taking it.  No more keeping our powder dry.  

We need more unions like UE:

The Preamble of the UE Constitution, unchanged since its adoption in 1936, articulates the principles that built our union and which make possible the kind of creative, bold action that has captured the attention of the nation and the world at Republic. “We…form an organization which unites all workers… and pursue(s) at all times a policy of aggressive struggle to improve our conditions.”

http://www.ueunion.org/uenewsu…

Agressive struggle.  Yes!!!  Don’t you wish the so-called Progressive netroots followed that strategy?  

More, after the fold.  

The most recent statement from UE on the occupation, which was made prior to the BoA agreement to provide funds to pay the workers:

As most Americans who follow the news know by now, the members of UE Local 1110 have peacefully occupied the Republic Windows and Doors factory in Chicago since the evening of Friday, December 5. That was the day when their plant suddenly closed and their jobs taken from them, with only three days notice, and without paying workers the vacation they had earned and the 60 days pay that the company owes them for not giving the 60 days plant closing notice required by the WARN Act. The workers now conducting a round-the-clock sit-in at the factory have vowed to stay there until they achieve justice from Republic and from its chief creditor, Bank of America.

snip

On behalf of all the members of UE, we want to express thanks for the broad support the Republic workers have received in their struggle, from people across the country and around the world. We particularly appreciate the supportive public statement from President-elect Obama; the strong advocacy on behalf of the workers by Rep. Luis Gutierrez, the support of Rep. Jan Schakowsky, and the help and inspiration provided by Rev. Jackson. The assistance of the Chicago labor movement and national Jobs with Justice has been invaluable.

Workers at Republic Windows and Doors came into UE four years ago, with a resounding 73 percent vote in an NLRB election, because they wanted a union that was democratic and that would enable workers themselves to take the initiative in fighting for fairness on the job. From the start these workers were in synch with UE’s philosophy that workers gain improved economic and working conditions through unified, rank-and-file action. They applied that approach successfully in negotiating contracts and in dealing with grievances in their plant. That UE formula of democracy plus worker mobilization is what made the current historic struggle possible. It’s important to note that the members of Local 1110 chose this course of action through discussion and a democratic vote.

The action of the Republic workers fits well within UE’s unique tradition of empowering and assisting working people to conduct their own campaigns for justice and economic security. The Preamble of the UE Constitution, unchanged since its adoption in 1936, articulates the principles that built our union and which make possible the kind of creative, bold action that has captured the attention of the nation and the world at Republic. “We…form an organization which unites all workers… and pursue(s) at all times a policy of aggressive struggle to improve our conditions.”

John Hovis

General President  

Bruce Klipple

General Secretary-Treasurer

Bob Kingsley

Director of Organization

http://www.ueunion.org/uenewsu…

Obama and other politicians made a difference, but it took workers standing up for their rights to make this victory.

The only way to win is to try.  Solidarity Forever!