Window Plant Agreement Ends Goose Island Sit-In

"The Chicago plant remains open at this time," Serious Energy said

Serious Energy and UE Local 1110 have reached an agreement to end a sit-in at a Goose Island window plant.

"The Chicago plant remains open at this time, and the parties are working together to find a new owner if possible and explore all other options," Serious Energy said in a statement.

The president of UE Local 1110 said in a statement the group is committed to finding a new buyer of the plant. The group even has considered buying the plant themselves.

Serious Energy, the company that leased the plant from Republic Windows and Doors in 2009, said Thursday it was closing down the plant and consolidating its operations in plants in California and Pennsylvania.

In response about 65 people, mostly employees, locked themselves inside the 268,000-square-foot facility. Outside, another 50 people -- some employees, but mostly members of the Occupy movement -- stood outside in the cold and rain/snow mix.

"I feel terrible," said 20-year employee Apolinar Caberara. "I feel bad. I'm worried. As a father, I need to take care of my family."

Workers gained national attention in December 2008 when they staged a six-day sit-in demanding severance and accrued vacation pay after Republic Windows and Doors gave them just three days' notice before closing the plant down.

On Friday, Serious Energy said it would keep the plant open for 90 days.

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