Kari Lydersen

Kari Lydersen is the author of Revolt on Goose Island: The Chicago Factory Takeover, and What it Says About the Economic Crisis (Melville House Press, 2009). Visit www.karilydersen.com.

One Year Later: The Republic Windows Story

Each day, a new page for messages by supporters was posted in the Republic lobby. Photo by Anna Karewicz.

A year has passed since what Illinois Congressmember Luis Gutierrez described as “a Chicago Christmas Carol”: the factory occupation by 250 workers at Republic Windows and Doors on Goose Island in the Chicago River, an action that captured international attention and provided a stirring victory for workers during a season otherwise characterized by economic pain, turmoil, and tragedy.