26 January, 2009
Last month, an inspiring group of US trade unionists staged a six-day occupation of a manufacturing plant in Chicago, Illinois, a success story that continues to resonate. The sit-in, done by ICEM affiliate United Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers’ Union of America (UE), sent a potent worldwide message on how to defend jobs when a company is foreclosed by banks. (Read more here.)
Seven weeks after that plant occupation, another, and bigger reward awaits the 300 UE members: they may get their jobs back. A small eco-friendly building materials company that likes the plant, the equipment, but more importantly, likes the grit of the workers, is in serious negotiations to buy the plant, reopen it under a UE collective agreement, and produce energy-efficient building materials.
Serious Materials, a maker of triple-pane windows and soundproof drywall, is attempting to buy the plant’s assets from bankruptcy from the creditor, Bank of America. The California-based company, with only three other factories – all operated non-union – sees an opportunity with the UE workforce to expand a manufacturing base that likely will flourish in post-Bush America. “We saw a great opportunity with a great facility and great workers,” said the company’s CEO in a published report, who admitted he was inspired by the 5-11 December plant occupation.
The good news comes as UE workers from the closed Republic factory travel the US on a “Recovery and Resistance” tour. They are telling their story and developing a campaign that puts a priority on jobs as the jumpstart to economic recovery. The workers, in hand with their union, are touring some 15 American cities under the broad-based banner of the labour-community coalition group, Jobs with Justice.
An important aspect to the UE’s campaigning is its “Window of Opportunity Fund” for Republic workers, a financial mechanism for the UE that will assure the union a seat at the table to determine the future of the plant. The occupation’s success in December rested with the UE winning that seat, forcing a just settlement for Republic workers, who had seen their jobs taken from them with three days notice.
The ICEM commends the UE and Republic workers for their success. The ICEM also recognises the need to grow the “Window of Opportunity” Fund, and encourages trade unions to take part.
On the UE website, the “Recovery and Resistance Tour” can be found here.
The site has a method for making donations to ensure that as many Americans as possible hear the courageous story on how UE members in Chicago are going about saving their factory. The ICEM encourages unions to make a donation to this deserving effort.