Republic Workers Continue Protest As New Creditor Emerges

CHICAGO — Workers have approved a $1.75 million agreement, ending a sit-in that lasted six days at a Chicago window and door factory.

U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez says Wednesday that each former Republic Windows & Door employee will get eight weeks' salary, all accrued vacation pay and two months' paid health care. He says it works out to about $7,000 for each worker.

The plant's owners, union leaders and Bank of America forged the agreement Wednesday.

Gutierrez says $1.75 million will go into an escrow account for the workers.

Bank of America spokeswoman Julie Westermann says the company loaned $1.35 million. Gutierrez says JPMorgan Chase & Co. added $400,000.

Workers began their sit-in after the plant gave them three days' notice that it was closing.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

CHICAGO (AP) _ Workers are voting on a proposal to end a sit-in at a Chicago window and door factory that's come to symbolize the plight of laid-off laborers.

Union organizer Leah Fried says negotiations to determine the fate of scores of workers holed up in the Republic Windows & Doors plant ended Wednesday night, the sixth day of the protest.

Fried says the tentative agreement needs worker approval for the sit-in to end.

It was negotiated between parties that include the plant's owners, union leaders and Bank of America. Fried declined to release details, pending the vote.

Workers began their sit-in Friday after the plant gave them just three days' notice that it was closing. They vowed to stay until assurances they'd receive severance and vacation pay.