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Some of the members of UE Local 1110 are trying to reopen their factory as a worker-owned, worker-run cooperative. Local 1110 members occupied their plant twice - for six days in December 2008 against the sudden closing by Republic Windows and Doors and Bank of America, and for 12 hours in February 2012, when Serious Energy announced that it could no longer keep the business going. The second occupation won the workers a three-month reprieve from closing, and the company's commitment to sell the factory, possibly to the workers, to keep it operating.
On May 30, workers launched the New Era Windows Cooperative with the goal of operating the windows and doors factory as a unionized, worker-run co-op. They are raising the needed financing, negotiating with Serious for the purchase of the machinery, and working with the co-op consultant group The Working World, which has helped launch worker-run businesses in several countries.
The workers have put up a significant amount of their own money toward the formation of the co-op and are seeking contributions. Learn more about their effort here and here, and to donate click here.