Republic’s Battle Cry: Protect Workers' Rights

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from In These Times:



Features » December 10, 2008 » Web Only
Republic’s Battle Cry
Workers occupying a closed Chicago factory are sending a strong message to Washington: protect workers’ rights

By David Moberg


Echoing the direct action workers took in the Depression to win unions, the 260 members of the United Electrical Workers Local 1100 began occupying the Republic Windows and Door factory in Chicago on Friday, Dec. 5, to protest its abrupt closing.

Their protest marks the most dramatic response so far from workers to rising layoffs—1.3 million since September, the most for any three-month period since immediately after World War II.

By highlighting failures of the financial system bailout, it also sends a strong message to Congress and the incoming Obama administration that government’s response to the current economic crisis must protect workers’ rights and living standards.

Bolstered by an outpouring of support from political leaders, unions, community groups and the general public, the predominately Latino Republic workers are firm in sticking with their well-organized factory occupation. ........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/4083/republics_battle_cry