Former Interlake Workers Protest New Owners
By: Christy Stelzer WMBD/WYZZ Reporter
Updated: March 10, 2009
WMBD/WYZZ— Pontiac— More than 100 former employees of Pontiac’s Interlake factory protested outside the company. Mecalux bought the bankrupt company and while the rally was going on outside of the plant, about 150 people stood in line to re-apply. President of UAW Local 2488, Ralph Timan, says the protest is to draw attention to the situation former workers are facing. Interlake employees lost their jobs Friday, as a part of the sale. Union officials argue that workers did not receive payment for earned vacation pay or receive a severance package.
“These workers here who have worked at that plant for over forty years don't deserve to be put to the street and have to re-apply for their jobs," Timan said.
Former workers say they hope this situation will get people to take a closer look at bankruptcy laws.
