Chicago Sit-in Victory: 'Yes We Can'

After concluding a six days sit-in at the Republic Window Company, workers came out of the door shouting "Yes we can, yes we can." The sit-in at this window manufacturing plant in Chicago by low-wage union workers was triggered by the company closing the plant with only three days' notice, with no severance pay or vacation pay.

The action came to national consciousness when politicians and community leaders (even President-elect Obama) affirmed workers were due severance and vacation pay. The marginalized workers got relief, n amazing organizing experience. They, and many others, now have a sense that something can be done; it is not hopeless. This is the same kind of audacity of hope engendered with the seemingly hopeless candidacy of Barack Obama. Despite the difficulties of the times, there is a crazy sense of hope and possibility in the air