I believe most everyone knows the issue -- the collapse of housing construction severely cut into the company's business. Bank of America refused to grant credit and the plant closed. This is a report from someone at the strike.
The gist is that the workforce is primarly Mexican-American. Many don't speak English. Expecting a docile workforce, the company pulled out most of its management, leaving only one person to oversee liquadation of its assets. When the workers came in to work last week and refused to leave, there really was no one left from management to oppose them. police are outside but so far there has been no confrontation and no one has attempted to evict the workers.
I know that this story has been diaried here and is on the rec list, but this first-hand account and pictures serves, I think, as "new info." If not, let me know and I'll delete. Thanks!
The Union is UE Local 1110. here are rumors of some ISO folks around. There seems to be some Freedom Road Socialist folks, because they gave a dinner Saturday night where the Local 1110 president spoke and $1500 was raised to benefit the workers. The money was delivered last night, along with a speech from Teamsters Local 743 president Richard Berg.
It's still not clear where the idea of a plant occupation began, but what seems clear is that most of the workers are participating. They have secured the plant. Supporters are allowed in the lobby but not the plant itself - two workers guard the entrance to the plant.
In the lobby they have set up a sign-in board for supporters.
There is a lot of lively discussion in the lobby.
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US Representative Louis Guiterrez is involved, acting somewhat as a mediator. A meeting is set up for either today or Tuesday with representatives of the bank, the company and the union. The demands include payment of wages and benefits for at least the 60 days covered by the WARN act. Other demands include restoration of the company's credit with B of A. The UE District Director says that settlement offers are being floated that include money for the workers.
Jesse Jackson, Sr. held a press conference there Sunday.
Rainbow PUSH sent a truck load of food.
In his speech, Jackson took a shot at the UAW which he said only went to lobby Congress, comparing it to the Republic workers who took action. He said this could be the beginning of a labor uprising in this country (wishful thinking?). His comment: "There has been too many emails and not enough resistance."
Assuming no settlement is reached tomorrow, there is a picket scheduled for Tuesday in front of the B of A in downtown Chicago.