A victory for labor, but what next? (US a nation where workers don't have to protest for fair pay?)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.reporternews.com/news/2009/jan/04/a-victory-for-labor-but-what-next/

Sunday, January 4, 2009

The scene at the Chicago window factory was befitting a Hollywood movie script.

Given only three days' notice of the plant's shutdown, 200 workers banded together in revolt. They barricaded themselves inside Republic Windows and Doors. Media, primed to consume a David vs. Goliath battle, quickly spread word of the December drama.

The growing displays of placards and the fists-to-the-air shouts of "Yes We Can" by workers proved contagious. Bank of America, targeted because it had shut off a line of credit to the plant, forcing the owners to shut down sooner than originally planned, was besieged by letters and protests.

Politicians weighed in as well, perhaps recognizing an opportunity to appear to be on the side of the common worker. Even President-elect Barack Obama voiced his support for the protesters.

After six days, the workers declared victory, signing a deal worth $1.75 million to end the siege.

In a news release, the United Electrical Workers, which represented the workers, boasted of the settlement: "We fought to make them pay what they owe us, and we won."

FULL story at link.