Ill. workers who staged sit-in take further action

[January 07, 2009]  CHICAGO (AP) -- A union representing Chicago workers whose recent factory sit-in drew national attention are taking new action against the now-bankrupt company.

United Electrical Workers says it has filed documents with the National Labor Relations Board alleging Republic Windows and Doors violated labor law by hastily removing machinery from the plant as it closed.

Republic gave workers just a few days' notice last month before firing them. Around 200 workers occupied the plant for nearly a week until the company finally agreed to demands for severance and accrued vacation pay.

Union spokeswoman Leah Fried says the filing seeks the return of the equipment in hopes the plant could one day reopen.

Messages left for Republic executives weren't returned.

[Associated Press]

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