• Listen to this segment

Embattled Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich lent his office’s support yesterday to the more than two hundred workers occupying a factory in Chicago. Entering its fifth day, the sit-down strike of former employees at the family-owned Republic Windows and Doors is demanding full severance pay following layoffs. News of the factory’s closing came with just three days notice instead of the sixty days required by law. The company claims its credit was canceled by Bank of America, making it unable to pay severance packages. The Governor of Illinois issued a statement that none of his agencies will do business with Bank of America if the conflict is not resolved. Despite being a recipient of the 700 billion dollar Wall Street bailout, Bank of America, says it bears no financial responsibility to the workers of Republic Windows and Doors. President-elect Barack Obama has weighed in on the strike saying that the workers should receive their just payment. The employees, who are members of United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers, plan to continue their sit-down strike indefinitely until they receive payment.

GUEST: Fran Tobin, Midwest Regional Organizer with Jobs with Justice