Laid-off workers who occupied a Chicago factory have agreed to end their sit-in after winning severence pay and benefits, Reuters reports. Each of the 200 workers at shuttered Republic Windows and Doors will receive two months pay, accrued vacation and two months health care coverage. The $1.75 million cost of the deal is being covered by the company's creditors.
The occupation came to symbolize Main Street's resentment of the Wall Street bailouts. "This money will only be used to pay the workers the benefits they are owed under the law, and will not, under any circumstance, be used for corporate bonuses, luxury cars or any other perk for the owners," said local Rep. Luis Gutierrez , who brokered the deal.
(More Republic Windows and Doors stories.)