what's the update on this??Should I develop an online?petition drive?? Let me know. gracias rg
-----Original Message----- From: Jorge Mujica <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; ChicagoMayDay <[email protected]> Sent: Mon, 24 Nov 2008 6:31 pm Subject: <ChicagoMayDay> Fwd: Stop 300 chicago workers from being thrown into street at Republic Windows Dear companeros all: 300 workers may soon be losing their living wage jobs unless we now act to stop Bank of America from cutting Republic's line of credit. This is an urgent situation. Bank of America is receiving about $25 billion of bailout money from the Federal government. It seems that Bank of America is not investing its stimulous money in companies that have been temporarily hurt by the economy but are still viable enterprises, such as Republic Windows. Unless, we act, this money will be spent on corporate golden parachutes instead of saving the livelihoods of hundreds of workers. We just found out from Republic Windows today that Bank of America will decide on the company's loan tomorrow, so action needs to happen really fast. What can you do today and tomorrow: 1) ASAP sign onto a community letter (attached) to Bank of America. 2) Join the delegation tomorrow morning 10am to deliver the letter to Bank of America (221 S. La Salle) 3) Join the press conference tomorrow morning at 9:45am prior to letter deliver at 231 S. LaSalle. 4) Join press conference tomorrow afternoon at 4:00pm at 231 S. LaSalle to announce the Bank's decision and our next steps. 5) Participate in actions on Wednesday to prevent company from moving out more machinery from the Republic Windows facility (1333 N. Hickory--near Division and Halsted). Please send your sign-on confirmation or let me know of any other action you can participate in. Thanks! Tim Bell [EMAIL PROTECTED] 773-230-0351 Background on campaign to save jobs at Republic Windows and Doors About Republic: Republic Windows and Doors, located at 1333 N. Hickory in Chicago, manufactures vinyl windows for new housing construction and residential replacement windows. The Company employs approximately 300 people. The company has been headquartered in Chicago since its founding in 1965. The Company's CEO is Rich Gillman. Its principal investor is Bank of America. Republic is #275 on Crain's Chicago Business' list of privately held companies, with $65 million in sales in 2006. The company received almost $10 million in TIF financing since they relocated to their current Goose Island location. About the workers: Republic production employees have been represented by United Electrical Workers (UE) Local 1110 since 2004. The average wage is $14/hr. Workers receive good health coverage and retirement benefits. Most of the workers live in the city of Chicago. About the current situation: While the Company's new construction sales have suffered due to the slowdown in the housing market, sales of replacement windows have remained steady. CEO Rich Gillman told the union on Monday November 24th that the company has customers willing to buy its windows and that they can stay in business if financing from their principal investor, Bank of America, continues. However, according to Gillman, Bank of America is threatening to cut off its line of credit to Republic, thereby forcing the plant to close. If that happens, the City of Chicago will lose 300 living wage jobs with benefits. What the workers want: That the Company remain open, If the company shuts its doors, that they give 60 days notice as required under the WARN act and negotiate a fair severance package with the union. Republic contact information: Republic Windows and Doors 1333 N. Hickory Chicago, IL 60622 Phone: (312) 932-8000 Fax: (312) 932-8550 website: www.republicwindows.com Company CEO: Rich Gillman E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED],com -- Jorge Mujica --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ Internet group address: http://groups.google.com/group/ChicagoMayDay To send e-mail: [email protected] To unsuscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
