The workers say they won't leave the Republic Windows and Doors plant until assurances they'll get severance and vacation pay.
Jackson's Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition says he's trying to help get Republic's creditor, the Bank of America, to reinstate its line of credit and save around 300 jobs.
Carrying signs that read "Bank of America: Don't Steal Christmas," workers at the North Side manufacturer continued their protest Saturday after the company shut its doors on three days' notice because the bank canceled its line of credit.
Republic Windows & Doors closed Friday after being in business since 1965. Members of the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers, which represents 260 workers at the company's Goose Island plant, have taken shifts at a sit-in at the plant, 1333 N. Hickory Ave., since Friday.
The union said the bank is not letting the company pay workers their vacation and severance pay. In addition, the union said they were not given 60 days' notice of a mass layoff, as required by federal law.
"They're throwing people out on the street with three days' notice, penniless," said Leah Fried, an organizer with United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers.
The company told employees Tuesday that its main lender, Bank of America, had canceled its line of credit because of a severe downturn in business at the plant.
Members of several unions attended Saturday's sit-in as well as Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), who accused the company of knowing the plant was going to close long before last week's announcement to avoid paying workers for the days they are owed under federal law.
"I don't believe somebody woke up on Tuesday and simply decided to shut the doors," Gutierrez said.
Representatives of Republic Windows & Doors and Bank of America could not be reached for comment Saturday.
The union said company officials didn't show up for a meeting Friday, but the two sides are scheduled to meet 4 p.m. Monday to negotiate, workers said.
Melvin Maclin, 54, who has worked at the plant for seven years, said employees had suspected the company was in dire financial straits for months but were continually reassured.
When he learned Tuesday that the plant would shut its doors at week's end, he turned to religion for solace.
"I'm dependent on my faith in God to see me and my family through this," he said.
He said he has no intention of leaving the plant until he receives his vacation and severance pay.
"We've been here since yesterday, and we aren't going anywhere," he said.
-- Gerry Smith and Associated Press
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