Press Release
Gutierrez Urges Federal Investigation into Potentially Fraudulent Practices, As Chicago Company Refuses To Pay Workers
Congressman to Host Second Meeting Today for Republic Windows and Doors,Union & Bank of America
December 8, 2008
Rebecca Dreilinger (202) 225-8203
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gutierrez is asking federal authorities, as well as the Illinois Department of Labor and Illinois Attorney Lisa Madigan, to consider immediate action into any violations the company may have made, including whether the factory illegally took initiatives to recapitalize and relocate operations out of Illinois.
What: |
Press Conference to update status of ongoing negotiations among Republic Windows and Doors, Bank of America and Union |
When: |
6:00 pm, Monday, December 8, 2008 |
Where: |
Republic Windows and Doors, 1333 N Hickory Ave Chicago, IL |
“I don't believe somebody woke up on Tuesday and simply decided to shut the doors," Rep. Gutierrez said. “If Republic doesn’t want to show their books, I have to wonder if it's because they're moving operations to another state, recapitalizing, leaving debt and a lot of pain and misery behind. They have a legal obligation to their workers, and I’m not going to let this be until the workers get the compensation and benefits they have earned and are legally entitled to.”
As Congress returns to Washington this week, the Financial Services Committee will hold a hearing to look into the use of TARP funds, of which Bank of America received at least $25 billion. Union workers feel this obliges the Bank to support the company. As a senior member of the committee, Rep. Gutierrez will address this issue before Congress.
Since Friday, the workers, represented by United Electrical Workers, have peacefully occupied the plant in shifts.
Republic Windows and Doors has indicated that they will not pay any remaining vacation that employees earned this year, nor will they pay what is required by the WARN Act, because Bank of America will not authorize payment. Bank of America has stated that it has not asked Republic Windows and Doors to break the law.
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