Bah Humbug! Bankers cheating workers of pay on Christmas eve?

Bank of America received $25 billion from the government's financial bailout package, but none of that money went to pay laid off laborers a dime of the 60 days severance owed them by law. Instead, Republic Windows and Doors, financed by Bank of America laid off 250 workers with only 3 days notice, without severance packages of any type and without health benefits -- right before the Christmas Holidays.

In a memo to the union, obtained by the business journal, Republic CEO Rich Gillman said the company had "no choice but to shut our doors." because Bank of America refused to finance the payment of the workers--even as they were paid billions by US taxpayers.

In retaliation, about 250 union workers occupied the Republic Windows and Doors plant in shifts Saturday while union leaders outside criticized the Wall Street bailout they say is leaving laborers behind.

from AP

Leah Fried, an organizer with the United Electrical Workers, said the Chicago-based vinyl window manufacturer failed to give 60 days' notice required by law before shutting down.

During the two-day peaceful takeover, workers have been shoveling snow and cleaning the building, Fried said.
[snip]
Fried said the company can't pay its 300 employees because its creditor, Charlotte, N.C.-based Bank of America, won't let them.
[snip]
The laborers are not leaving: "We're going to stay here until we win justice," said Blanca Funes, 55, of Chicago, after occupying the building for several hours.

Good on them. And one hopes the miserable wretches at Bank of America that made this decision will have a woeful night or two with visits from the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. My only question? Will they even have the barest outline of a soul that managed to save Ebenezer Scrooge after his visitation from Jacob Marley and the three ghosts? Or are they all well and truly damned?

I feel certain I can hear the 'bah humbug' from here, and the tormented howl of Jacob Marley cursing these rapacious bankers to hell.

Cowards of the right, part 10,000

From AP
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - An ex-Argentine police commander committed suicide in front of rolling television cameras as he was about to be arrested for alleged human rights violations during the country's dictatorship.

"Maria, goodbye," Mario Ferreyra said to his wife before lifting the .45-caliber revolver and shooting himself in the temple.

Ferreyra, 63, took his life on Friday as national authorities arrived at his home to arrest him on charges in connection with the disappearance, torture and death of dissidents during Argentina's 1976-83 dictatorship.

He had just finished an interview with cable TV station Cronica, whose cameras were still rolling when he took out the gun and fired it.

...snip...

During Argentina's military dictatorship, hundreds of people were made "to disappear" for their association with suspected dissidents.

Official records put the number of disappeared at 13,000, while human rights groups say the toll is closer to 30,000.