[IronJack]

Almost 600 employees, many the sons and daughters of Ecusta workers, are left wondering how they will support their families after owner Purico closed the mill following a bitter 10-month labor dispute

In addition, I was under the impression that many -- if not ALL -- of the Carolina textile mills were heavily unionized, which is why to this day the textile industry in the Carolinas is virtually decimated.

I'm not THAT senior.

[IronJack]

Sorry for the double-tap. Senior moments and all ...

[bluedevil]

I was born in Transylvania County, North Carolina. My birth caused my father to quit college and move the family back home to Kannapolis (the quientessiential mill town).

Cannon Mills ran the town. They provided the housing and still own most of the downtown property and residential property through Atlantic American Properties.

Cannon has gone through Fieldcrest-Cannon, Fieldcrest, and now Pillowtex. It is currently in bankruptcy.

North Carolina has long beeen a right to work state. Unions have made little inroads. After years of lost elections, UNITE was finally able to organize Charlie Cannon's old mill. The mill was quickly driven into bankruptcy.

Iron Jack, I'm a little senior myself. 53 this week and a veteran of the MFJ.

Cordially bluedevil