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North Carolina workers picketed Bank of America’s Charlotte headquarters to show support for their brothers and sisters in labor.

PHOTO/PAUL WILLIAMS III

North Carolina union workers picketed in Charlotte Monday to protest Bank of America’s decision to stop funding of a Chicago business that employed union labor. Salia Warren of Greensboro uses a bullhorn to make a point.

N.C. union members and community leaders protested BofA’s decision to withhold pay to workers at Chicago-based Republic Windows and Doors, which closed on Dec. 5. The workers, members of United Electrical Union Local 1110, have occupied the plant since the announcement and say they won’t leave until they get 75 days pay legally required by Illinois’ WARN act. The company, in business since 1965, announced BofA has ended its financing, refusing to allow payment to the workers. Workers are also demanding that Bank of America extend financing to keep the plant open.

“Just weeks before Christmas we are told our factory will close in three days”, said Armando Robles, a maintenance employee and a union president in Chicago. “Taxpayers gave Bank of America billions and they turn around and close our company. We will fight for a bailout for workers.”

Bank of America has received $25 billion in federal bailout funds as part of a sweeping packing to keep the nation’s financial industry afloat. N.C. workers and community members walked a picket line demanding BofA help Republic Windows and Doors comply with federal and state law that require 75 days notice before the closure of a workplace or 75 days pay in lieu of notice.

“We are outraged that any bank receiving bail out funds would deny workers their legally due notice or pay,” said Angaza Laughinghouse of Raleigh, president of UE Local 150, the N.C. Public Service Workers Union.

“We are even more ashamed that it is Bank of America, based in our state. We will do everything possibly here in North Carolina to help our brothers and sisters in Chicago win this important battle for workers all over the country.”

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