After meeting for more than three hours Monday with the owner of Republic Windows and representatives from the Bank of America, UE Local 1110 members said they were "cautiously optimistic" and looking forward to a second meeting set for 1:00 p.m. Tuesday.

"We had a good discussion and the beginning of a negotiation," reported UE Organizer Leah Fried following a briefing and discussion held with workers who have occupied the plant since last Friday. Fried added, "but we will continue to occupy the factory until a resolution is reached."

Representing the union during the meeting were UE Local 1110 President Armando Robles, Vice President Melvin Maclin, Steward Vicente Rangel, UE Western Region President Carl Rosen and UE International Representative Mark Meinster. Monday's 4:00 meeting was the union's first meeting with Bank of America and the plant owner since the occupation began. U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D - IL) also participated in the meeting. 

National Interfaith Meeting Prayer Vigil

Preceding tomorrow's meeting, the Chicago Interfaith Committee on Worker Issues, will hold a vigil at 12:00 noon in front of the Republic Plant.

Religious leaders from around the country are expected to attend; the vigil coincides with a meeting of the Interfaith Worker Justice national Board of Directors. The Chicago Interfaith Committee is its local affiliate.

Major Demonstration Set for Wednesday

Looming on the horizon is a major protest set for noon Wednesday at Bank of America's downtown Chicago headquarters. Members and leaders of unions from across Chicago are working to build substantial turnout. The demonstration in support of UE Local 1110 members will demand that federal bailout money be used to support American businesses, rather than to facilitate banks acquiring other banks and boosting their profits.