December 8, 2008: When Republic Windows and Doors announced it was closing their Chicago factory, workers decided they wouldn’t leave until they got their back pay.

The company has refused to pay workers their back pay, vacation pay, and front-pay required by the WARN act for the sudden closure.

Over 200 members of the United Electrical Workers union at Republic have been staging a peaceful occupation of the factory since Friday. And Chicago Teamsters are showing their support.

Their union, backed by Chicago labor, is also targeting Bank of America. The bank instructed Republic to refuse to pay workers the compensation they are owed—only weeks after Bank of America took $25 billion in bailout money.

Click here to watch a video about the protest. The pictured rally includes Teamsters from such locals as 705 and 673. Local 743 president Richard Berg addressed the rally.

Click here to send a message of support to Republic workers.