Marathon Pundit: Hartmarx workers in Des Plaines, IL authorize sit-down strike

Workers Unite, an SEIU-affliliated union, might be taking part in the Chicago area's second sit-down strike in the last few months.

Crain's Chicago Business has more:

Hartmarx Corp.'s union employees on Monday overwhelmingly voted to stage sit-ins if a bank forces the suit maker to liquidate, a move that would put more than 3,000 nationwide people out of work.

Hartmarx workers who belong to the Service Employees International Union held a rally Monday at the company’s plant at 1680 E. Touhy Ave. in Des Plaines. They packed the cafeteria and hoisted signs that said "Banks get bailed out, workers get sold out," and "Bailout money, $25 billion; CEO bonuses, $30 million; Saving our jobs, priceless."

Chicago-based Hartmarx Corp., which has become known for making the suits worn by President Barack Obama, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January. The union members are protesting because they claim that Wells Fargo & Co., the company's largest creditor, is favoring liquidation over reorganization or sale.