Workers occupy closed factory

CHICAGO, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Workers at a Chicago factory that shut down this week said Friday they will remain in the plant until police throw them out or they get their last paychecks.

A union representative at Republic Windows and Doors blamed Bank of America for the debacle, CBS2 in Chicago reported. Leah Fried of the United Electrical Workers of America accused the bank of forcing the company to close by cutting off credit and then refusing to guarantee payment on its last checks.

Workers said they feel desperate.

"It's just miserable, everything is up in the air," Melvin Maclin, a Republic employee, said. "We don't know anything, no one wants to talk with us."

Several hundred people worked at the Republic plant. The TV station said dozens remained there Friday night.

Bank of America released a statement denying any responsibility for the situation.

"Neither Bank of America nor any other third-party lender to the company has the right to control whether the company complies with applicable laws or honors its commitments to its employees," the statement said.