About Republic:

Republic Windows and Doors manufactures vinyl windows for new housing construction and residential replacement windows. The company, founded in 1965, employs approximately 300 people. 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 subsidy financing since they relocated to their current Goose Island location. They produce environmentally efficient Energy Star windows, which reduce pollution by reducing energy use.

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. These are good, green living wage jobs.

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. *However, Company CEO Rich Gillman informed the Union this week that the plant will close on December 5, 2008. This means the City of Chicago will lose 300 good, green, living wage jobs with benefits. *

The role of Bank of America:

Bank of America, formerly Lasalle Bank, is Republic's principal lender.

Republic says the plant closing is caused by Bank of America's decision this week to stop extending credit to Republic. This is despite the fact that Bank of America has received $25 billion in bailout funds, ostensibly in order to extend credit to companies that need it.

Even worse, Bank of America has directed Republic not to pay workers their owed vacation or plant closing benefits due under the federal WARN Act, which provides for 60 days of pay in lieu of notice of a plant closing.

What the workers want:

If the Company must close, that they pay all benefits to which workers are legally entitled.

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