Benefit for Republic Windows & Doors Workers: film, discussion and live music

Where: Kent/Ionia Labor Hall, 918 Benjamin SE, GR
When: Saturday Dec. 19

• 7 p.m. Film & Discussion
• 9 p.m. Chance Jones

Tickets at the door: $5 or $10. All proceeds go to sit-downers.

This Saturday Dec. 19, the Grand Rapids IWW and The Bloom Collective host a benefit for the former workers of Republic Windows & Doors at the Kent/Ionia Labor Hall. The evening will start off with the film Hasta La Victoria, which shares how, in December of 2008, 270 workers occupied their plant for six days and successfully negotiated their demands.

UE members and workers who participated in the Republic Windows and Doors occupation will discuss what happened during the occupation and the goals they have for organizing the 100,000+ warehouse workers toiling in sweatshop conditions in the Chicago area

Following the discussion, guests will enjoy live music by popular Grand Rapids band, Chance Jones, and have opportunity to stand in solidarity with workers here, in Chicago and around the globe. “We decided that we wanted to do this benefit because we support the working class,” says band member, Mike Saunders. “It’s as simple as that, we all have jobs outside of playing music and we see it as effecting us when our fellow workers are being exploited.”