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The Legacy Lives On

The Republic Windows and Doors factory occupation in Chicago inspired a similar revolt halfway across the country.

By Kari Lydersen

On December 5, 2008, 250 laid-off workers occupied Chicago’s Republic Windows and Doors factory, refusing to leave until paid for accrued vacation time and two months of federally-mandated severance. These demands, which might have been ignored by media in more stable economic times, thrust the unionized workers onto the national stage as the country’s financial system and economy unraveled. Five daysreturn to article

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