UE NEWS Updates

Pages

Local 234 Holds Line on Health Costs in Fairbanks Scales Contract

December 18, 2008

Members of UE Local 234 ratified a new three-year agreement on October 31, covering workers in both the factory and office bargaining units at Fairbanks Scales. The company had agreed to release members from work early, with pay, to attend the ratification meeting. In a somewhat unusual development, the company delivered its final offer after the members had gathered for the meeting and were waiting to vote. After a short discussion with the membership and the contract due to expire at midnight they voted by secret ballot to accept the company’s offer.

"Yes" Vote at Republic: Workers Get Pay, Plant Occupation Ends

December 10, 2008

After the conclusion of negotiations Wednesday evening, the membership of Local 1110, more than 200 workers, met in the plant cafeteria to hear and consider the tentative settlement that had been worked out by UE negotiators over the past three days.

The settlement was approved by a unanimous vote.

'We Did It!'

Following the vote, the UE members, led by Local President Armando Robles, marched out of the plant, chanting “Yes, we did!” in English and Spanish.

Negotiations at Republic Conclude; Workers to Make Final Decision

December 10, 2008

CHICAGO -  8:25 p.m. CST

Negotiations on behalf of UE Local 1110 members occupying the Republic Doors and Windows plant have concluded, with the UE negotiating committee heading back to the plant to discuss bargaining results with the 260 workers who have occupied the plant in shifts since Friday night.

Bargaining began for the third day this afternoon at 1:00 p.m. with all of the parties involved in the occupation, including Bank of America.

Republic Talks Continue in Chicago - 10:00 p.m. CST

December 9, 2008

Negotiations that began today at 1:00 p.m. between the UE Local 1110 bargaining committee, Republic Windows and Bank of America are still in progress.  No settlement has been reached. 

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.

Statement of UE National Officers on the Plant Occupation in Chicago

December 9, 2008

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 were 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.

No Final Agreement Reached; Bargaining Continues Wednesday

December 9, 2008

No final agreement was reached in bargaining on Tuesday involving UE Local 1110 members who have occupied their workplace, the Republic Windows plant, since Friday. Another negotiating session has been set for Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. (CST).

A statement issued late Tuesday night by the UE negotiating committee said, "Negotiations will resume tomorrow as the parties continue to work towards an agreement. Progress was made, and the bank and the Union are bargaining in good faith."

"Cautious Optimism" Reported After Republic, BOA Meeting; Second Meeting Set for Tuesday

December 8, 2008

After meeting for more than three hours Monday with the owner of Republic Windows and representatives from the Bank of America, UE Local 1110 members said they were "cautiously optimistic" and looking forward to a second meeting set for 1:00 p.m. Tuesday.

"We had a good discussion and the beginning of a negotiation," reported UE Organizer Leah Fried following a briefing and discussion held with workers who have occupied the plant since last Friday. Fried added, "but we will continue to occupy the factory until a resolution is reached."

Chicago Aldermen Aim to End City's Business with Bank of America

December 8, 2008

A contingent of 15 Chicago aldermen said today they will introduce an ordinance to require the city to stop doing any business with the Bank of America.

Bank of America cut off its line of credit to Republic Windows and Doors, causing the Chicago company to halt operations on Friday, December 5 and terminate its 250 workers with only three days notice, and without receiving their earned vacation pay, as well as compensation they are entitled to under the WARN Act. The workers' situation attracted world-wide attention begining Friday evening, when they began occupying the plant, refusing to leave until Bank of America, the company and other creditors honor their obligations to employees.

Pages

Subscribe!

If you like what you read, please consider subscribing to the UE NEWS — for as little as $5/year you can support great labor journalism and receive the print edition of the UE NEWS four times per year.

You can also sign up to receive monthly UE NEWS Bulletins via email, or follow UE on FacebookTwitterInstagram and YouTube.