New Era Windows

[1] Following the sudden closure of the factory, workers were fired with only three days' notice, violating the WARN Act.

[2] Workers and members of the UE Local 1110[3] organized and decided to stage an occupation of the factory in protest of the firings.

President Barack Obama said that Republic should follow through on its commitment to the plant's employees and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan launched an investigation into violations of the WARN Act.

[1][8] Despite its drastic diminution—Serious Energy had called back 75 of the plant's 250 employees, with only 38 employed by the closing's announcement—workers successfully negotiated an agreement with management by that night.

[9] Two months later, California window manufacturer Serious Materials (now Serious Energy) bought out Republic Windows and Doors for $1.45 million and reopened the plant, reinstating the union workers to their jobs in order of seniority and signing a labor contract with UE Local 1110 that was substantially the same as the union's former contract with Republic.