lang: en
Summary
In December 2008, workers at Republic Windows and Doors in Chicago, Illinois, staged a sit-in after the factory shut down with little notice, demanding severance pay, extended health care, and accrued vacation time. The six-day occupation garnered support from community groups, political figures, and the public, leading to a $1.75 million settlement from Bank of America and JP Morgan Chase. The workers received eight weeks of pay, two months of health care, and vacation pay, and the factory later reopened under new ownership, allowing all employees to retain their jobs.
Tactics used
Tactics used
Background
Republic Windows and Doors in Chicago, Illinois, faced financial difficulties due to the 2008 fiscal crisis and a failing housing market, exhausting its $5 million line of credit from Bank of America and filing for bankruptcy. In December 2008, the company shut down with only three days’ notice, informing 300 workers they would not receive severance pay, accrued vacation pay, or continued health insurance. The workers, members of Local 1110 of the United Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers of America, sought to enforce their rights under the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, which requires 60 days’ notice and full compensation for large-scale layoffs.
What happened
On Friday, December 5, 2008, 240 union members voted to begin a sit-in at the Republic Windows and Doors factory, dividing into groups to manage equipment, provide security, and handle media and supporter communications [source: nv-database]. The sit-in operated in three shifts mirroring the previous work schedule, from 6:00 a.m. [source: nv-database] to 2:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. [source: nv-database] to 10:00 p.m., and 10:00 p.m. [source: nv-database] to 6:00 a.m. [source: nv-database] [source: nv-database]. CEO Richard Gillman initially blamed the 80% decline in sales and Bank of America for the shutdown, while Bank of America stated it had provided the maximum funding under its agreement [source: nv-database]. Gillman also requested that any loans to aid employees also cover his personal car leases and salary, but retracted this demand after it angered workers [source: nv-database]. The Chicago Industrial Workers of the World formed the UE Workers of Solidarity Committee, providing food, water, media support, and organizing a National Day of Protest on December 10 at Bank of America branches [source: nv-database]. On the Day of Protest, banners and signs reading ‘No More Bailouts for the Ruling Class’ were displayed, and hundreds gathered on Chicago’s Goose Island to support the workers [source: nv-database]. President Barack Obama voiced support in a television address, stating that companies should follow through on commitments to workers’ benefits and pay [source: nv-database]. Reverend Jesse Jackson and Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich visited the factory; Blagojevich promised to cut ties with Bank of America and enforce the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, while local politicians prevented police from arresting the workers [source: nv-database]. On the sixth day, late Wednesday night, union officials negotiated with Bank of America, resulting in a joint agreement with JP Morgan Chase to provide a $1.75 million package covering eight weeks of pay, two months of health care, and all accrued vacation time [source: nv-database]. The company later came under new ownership, and all employees retained their jobs [source: nv-database].
Key people & organizations
- Local 1110 of the United Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers of America
- Richard Gillman
- Bank of America
- Chicago Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)
- President Barack Obama
- Reverend Jesse Jackson
- Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich
- JP Morgan Chase
Outcome
Verdict: won.
The campaign achieved all six of its specific demands, including severance pay, extended health care, and vacation pay, and the factory reopened under new ownership with all workers retaining their jobs, earning a total success score of 10 out of 10 points [source: nv-database].
Lessons
- A well-organized sit-in can quickly escalate pressure on a company and its financiers, especially when combined with legal rights under labor laws.
- Building alliances with community groups and political figures can provide material support, media amplification, and protection from repression.
- Coordinated national days of protest at multiple locations can broaden the campaign’s reach and increase leverage.
Sources
- Global Nonviolent Action Database —
[[nv-database]]
Disclaimer: Included as a teaching example of campaign craft, not as endorsement.
Sources & verification
nv-database— grounding: primary — license: link-only- Rewritten: 2026-06-25 via
worker_casestudies_v2.py