CHICAGO — Chicago workers in the third day of a sit-in on the floor of their former workplace peered through the windows of a door Sunday, amazed by a mix of supporters, politicians and journalists who packed a foyer outside.
“We never expected this,” said Melvin Maclin, a factory employee and vice president of the local union that represents the workers. “We expected to go to jail.”
The 200 workers demanding severance and vacation pay have become a symbol for thousands of employees laid off nationwide as the economy continues to sour. They occupied the plant of their former employer, Republic Windows and Doors, after the company abruptly fired them last week.
At a news conference Sunday, President-elect Barack Obama said Republic should follow through on its commitments to its workers.
“The workers who are asking for the benefits and payments that they have earned, I think they’re absolutely right and understand that what’s happening to them is reflective of what’s happening across this economy,” Obama said.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson delivered turkeys to the workers, pledging the support of his Chicago-based civil-rights group, Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.
“These workers deserve their wages, deserve fair notice, deserve health security,” Jackson said.
Leah Fried, an organizer for the United Electrical Workers union that represents the workers, said the company told the union that Bank of America had canceled its financing.
Bank of America received $25 billion as part of a government bailout. Some workers carried signs Sunday that said: “You got bailed out. We got sold out.”
“Bank of America, don’t steal Christmas,” said another sign on the wall.
“They expect us to just walk out with our heads down and do nothing,” said nine-year employee Donald White. “We’re going to stay here until we get the justice we deserve.”
The bank had said in a statement Saturday that it wasn’t responsible for Republic’s financial obligations to its employees. Republic has not commented on the sit-in.
People who apparently have ties to Republic formed a limited-liability corporation in Illinois last month, Echo Windows & Doors, that has bought a similar plant in western Iowa.
Sharon Gillman, who shares an address with Republic president and chief executive Rich Gillman, is listed as an officer of Echo Windows & Doors LLC, which was incorporated in Illinois on Nov. 18, according to secretary of state records.
Neither she nor Rich Gillman could be reached for comment Sunday.
Echo Windows officials told employees at the former Traco manufacturing plant in Red Oak, Iowa, on Thursday that the workforce would be doubled from the current 50 employees because they already have production orders lined up.
“They’re bringing in machinery from a facility that is closing somewhere else,” said Sandy Schoonover, who works in the glass department at the Red Oak plant.
The Chicago Tribune contributed to this report.
