Will UE Workers Occupy Another Closed Factory? [View All]

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from In These Times:



Will UE Workers Occupy Another Closed Factory?

Tuesday
Jan 18, 2011
7:35 am

By Kari Lydersen


As auction of machinery looms in Mass., feisty union's plan recalls Republic Windows and Doors occupation


When workers at Republic Windows and Doors occupied their Chicago plant two years ago, it was a surprise action that quickly attracted the attention of unionists, journalists and supporters worldwide.

Now 85 workers with the same union, the United Electrical Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE), are planning a very similar action at an aircraft seals factory in Taunton, Mass., that closed in October. But this time they're giving advance notice in hopes of delaying the auction of machinery that workers want to keep in order to re-open the factory as a cooperative making aircraft seals in partnership with a large aerospace company.

That auction is scheduled for this Wednesday, January 19, at 10 a.m. On Friday, UE said it will try to stop the event from taking place. They have the unanimous support of the city council and other local, state and national elected officials. An independent feasibility study they’ve commissioned indicates a worker-run company could be successful.

Nonetheless the company, Washington state-based Esterline Technologies Inc., is planning to auction off the machinery. .............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.inthesetimes.com/working/entry/6865/ue_threatens_occupation_at_massachusetts_aircraft_seals_factory/