Progress Illinois

Tomorrow, a coalition of labor unions, community activists, and religious leaders are launching a public vigil with Hart Schaffner Marx workers outside the bankrupt company's Des Plaines factory.  The protest will begin at 8 a.m and last "until Wells Fargo decides to save Hartmarx from liquidation," according to a statement. 

As we've previously reported, the suitmaker -- which includes President Obama among its customers -- declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January and is continuing to operate thanks to a $100 million "debtor in possession" loan from its main creditor, Wells Fargo.  Hartmarx has attracted three potential buyers: two that apparently want to keep it operating and another that favors liquidation.  Reports have indicated that Wells Fargo is unsatisfied with the bidding level and is leaning towards the liquidation option, which would provide a quick return -- but also result in the loss of over 3,000 jobs, including 1,000 here in Illinois.

These signals from Wells Fargo have prompted several members of Congress -- including Reps. Phil Hare (who worked for Hartmarx for 13 years), Jan Schakowsky (whose great-aunt worked there after emigrating from Russia), Barney Frank (D-MA), and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) -- to urge the bank to do the right thing, particularly considering the $25 billion in federal bailout funds they've accepted.  Speaking of which, the protest comes as reports are surfacing that Wells Fargo may need $15 billion in additional capital.

We'll have reports from the vigil throughout the day tomorrow.  Also, I'll be discussing this issue on Mornings With Ray Hanania at 8:10 a.m. on WJJG 1530 AM.

Full disclosure: Workers United, which presents the Hartmarx workers, is an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union.  The SEIU Illinois State Council sponsors this website.