A window company on Chicago’s Near-North Side was planning to close its factory Friday and lay off about 240 workers. But the union that represents them, the United Electrical Workers, is leading a sit-in at the plant.

Republic Windows and Doors says it failed to secure financing to survive a meltdown in the construction and housing markets.

State and federal laws require companies of this size to give 60 days’ notice before a mass layoff or provide equivalent pay and health insurance. The laws spell out some exceptions.
 
And the window company says that compensation depends on its lender, Bank of America, which has declined to comment on the matter.

About 200 of the workers filed into the factory Friday, demanding word from the bank. Sergio Revuelta is a union steward at the plant.

REVUELTA: If they’re going to take me to jail, I have to go to jail because I’m fighting for a just cause.

Now Rep. Luis Gutiérrez of Chicago is involved. He’s meeting with representatives of the company, the bank and the union.

I’m Chip Mitchell, Chicago Public Radio.