For the first time in weeks, there is some good news to report about the controversy involving Quad Cities Die Casting in Moline. Back in May, after Wells Fargo decided to cut off a line of credit to the aluminum manufacturing plant, 100 workers were given layoff notices effective July 12. But late last week, management informed the employees that D-Day would be pushed back another month. The Quad-City Times explains:

Quad-City Die Casting management had said the Moline facility will close July 12, putting nearly 100 people out of work. However, Leah Fried, an organizer for United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America, said employees have been informed that layoffs will be delayed and that with the current workload, the company expects to remain in operation until the end of August. [...]

Frank Kauzlarich of Moline, a longtime employee, said Tuesday that the plant closing delay is good for everyone involved. "It gives us more time to find something - either another job or another buyer."

Union officials believe there are four interested parties looking to make a bid to purchase the company. The workforce is hoping that Wells -- who they also allege is withholding vacation pay and health insurance benefits from the workforce -- listens to the appeals during the delay. They will have one powerful advocate in the way of State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, who stopped by the factory today:

Comparing the situation at Quad-City Die Casting to that of Chicago-based suit maker Hartmarx, Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias pledged this morning to do all he can to save the Moline plant and its jobs.

"I can't promise results, but I can promise I'm going to fight hard for you guys," he said told some of the union workers before getting a tour of the plant. He later met briefly with management.

It's still unclear whether the owners of the plant have made an honest effort to keep the factory running. Kauzlarich, the vice president of UE Local 1174, said he has scheduled a grievance meeting Wednesday with company management to "clarify some questions, including whether Quad-City Die ever has asked Wells Fargo for financial help to save the company." We should get a better picture of where the workers stand after that.

If the workers need any more inspiration, they should swing by Casa Michaocán in Blue Island Friday night. That's where filmaker Andrew Freund will screen a sneak peak of his forthcoming documentary on the factory occupation by workers at Republic Windows and Doors. Armando Robles, President of UE Local 1110, and journalist Kari Lydersen will also speak. For more information, click here.

Image used under a Creative Commons license by Flickr user ueunion.