Chicago IWW Forms UE Workers Solidarity Committee and Announces Day of Action to Support UE Workers!
Submitted on Tue, 12/09/2008 - 3:16pm
In support of the recent UE occupation of Republic Windows, the Chicago IWW has responded by forming UE Workers Solidarity Committee to provide support for the sit in strikers. The committee is comprised of diverse organizations to primarily act as a flying squad in case of eviction or action taken against the workers. The committee is working to coordinate food, water, media work and outreach.
The RWSC is asking other IWW Branches to take action on Wednesday 12:00 at Bank of America locations in their cities. Because events around the strike are happening quickly, please contact the organizers in case of changes. Also, if possible take a picture or write an article and send it to the committee. Bring banners, flags, and signs and demand No More Bailouts For The Ruling Class!!
The Chicago IWW joined hundreds of people gathered Saturday afternoon at the Republic Windows factory on Chicago's Goose Island to lend their solidarity to Republic workers, who occupied the plant on Friday. The workers have vowed to continue the occupation until they are paid back pay and benefits, or until the plant is re-opened -- by the owners or by the workers themselves. On Tuesday, the owners announced that because Bank of America has cut their credit line, the factory would be shuttered and all workers laid off on Friday -- without federally and state-mandated notice, severance pay and benefits. The workers instead voted to take over the plant, and have vowed to occupy the factory floor until the company pays them the money they're owed. Bank of America received $25 billion in federal bailout money earlier this fall, despite pointing out at the time that they were not in financial need. Since the bailout began, BOA -- like other big banks across the globe -- has slashed essential credit lines to manufacturing and service businesses, forcing a growing number of small and medium-sized companies to shut down.
The action at Republic Windows comes on the heels of a workers' campaign at the plant to kick out the company union, which had colluded with company owners and management for years. That effort succeeded after three years of struggle, and workers have vowed to take that fighting spirit of solidarity to the wall with the factory occupation, as well.Republic Windows' worker occupation is one of the first actions of its kind in the United States since the Great Depression, when a wave of worker seizures of factories and manufacturing operations marked one of the most militant phases in U.S. labor history.
For update and general information of the strike:
http://pilsenprole.blogspot.com/
For involvement/coordination or questions about UE Workers Solidarity Committee
Robert Austin
630-220-5026
[email protected]
Greg Ehrendreich
Gregory.ehrendreich
312-479-8825