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 [RETURN TO ARTICLE]