Tell Founders Equity to Give Workers their Due

On January 15, the 280 workers at Colibri, a jewelry manufacturer in Rhode Island, were informed that their jobs were suddenly gone. Colibri's owners, New York-based Founders Private Equity SBIC, asked the Rhode Island Superior Court to appoint a receiver to sell the company's assets to repay creditors.

Thirteen workers from the Colibri jewelry plant were arrested March 19th as their plant’s assets were auctioned off by a State appointed receiver. As bidders drove into the company parking lot, about 200 picketers greeted them with chants of "We’ll go away when we get our pay."

"Founders Equity is a multi-million dollar company. They signed a contract, when they bought the company, assuming all the product and the responsibility for the workers of the company. Yes, we broke the law when we stood up--or in my case sat down--for our rights. But, THEY BROKE A FEDERAL LAW--THE WARN ACT-- that gives workers protection from companies like them that just buy, take their profit and destroy. Workers have rights and sometimes they have to say enough is enough!"

Please support Colibri Workers for Rights and Justice by taking a few seconds to send a free fax to Founders Equity partners right now demanding that Founders Equity give every Colibri Worker 60 days pay, 60 days benefits and severance based on years worked.

Tell me more

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

I am writing in support of Colibri Workers for Rights and Justice and the thirteen brave workers who were arrested in East Providence yesterday.  Those workers sat in the street to demand basic fairness from you, Founders Equity, and I support their demands for 60 days pay, 60 days benefits and severance based on years worked.

When Founders Equity asked the Rhode Island Superior court to place the Colibri Group into receivership, you disrupted the lives of 280 hard-working Rhode Islanders.  The former Colibri workers are now facing this recession head-on and they deserve some relief.

Many of these workers had given the company 10, 20, 30, even 37 years of service.

Founders Equity must respond to Colibri Workers for Rights and Justice.  I am asking that you agree to negotiate with the elected leadership of Colibri Workers for Rights and Justice for 60 days pay, 60 days benefits and severance based on years worked.

I stand with the Colibri Workers because I believe that it's time that employers, investors and lenders alike take the responsibility for your actions.

During this economic crisis, laid off workers can't wait for a lengthy court process. In the words of one leader of Colibri Workers for Rights and Justice, "Our families won't wait to eat. Our landlords won't wait for rent. Our children won't wait for medical care."

Please contact Colibri Workers for Rights and Justice immediately.  You can reach Colibri Workers for Rights and Justice with your response at (401)725-2700.

Thank you for your prompt attention to the rights of Colibri Group's former employees.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

Take Action on this Issue

Send this message to:

Mr. Warren H. Haber
cc: John Teeger

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