Worker Sit-In Still Going Strong at Republic Windows in Chicago

President-Elect Barack Obama has called the ongoing sit-in by workers at Republic Windows and Doors in Chicago an example of the nation's financial disarray.

Last week the company closed its doors due to the fact that Bank of America canceled its line of credit. Then came the news on Friday that workers staged a sit-in demanding their severance and vacation pay, according to news reports.

In a news conference yesterday President-Elect Obama stated: "I think that these workers, if they have earned these benefits and their pay, then these companies need to follow through on those commitments."

The Republic story took an unusual turn when, it was reported that (CLICK HERE for that article) "people who apparently have ties to the financially strapped Republic Windows formed a limited liability corporation in Illinois last month, Echo Windows & Doors, that has bought a similar plant in western Iowa."

The article went on, "Sharon Gillman, who shares an address with Republic President and CEO Rich Gillman, is listed as an officer of Echo Windows & Doors LLC.

According to state records, Echo Windows was incorporated in Illinois on November 18.

Amy Zimmerman, who served as vice president of sales and marketing for Republic, also is listed as the registered contact for a website, www.echowindows.com, according to www.networksolutions.com.

In another interesting twist, USGNN.com™ reported on Thursday, December 4 that TRACO announced the sale of its residential vinyl replacement division to Echo Windows LLC (CLICK HERE to read that announcement). At press time, USGNN.com had not yet secured a comment from TRACO officials on the matter.

Stay tuned to USGNN.com for updates on the story as they become available.

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