Cops arrest several Colibri protesters

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I (WPRI) - East Providence Police arrested eight protesters Thursday at the former headquarters of Colibri. A group of former employees of the jewelry manufacturer gathered at the site during an auction of the bankrupt company's assets.

Several protesters were lying in the street to block traffic as bidders arrived to buy items on the auction block.

"There's people taking drastic measures. They need their medical. They need their dental," said former Colibri employee Mike Masi.

The workers have been fighting for 60 days worth of pay and medical coverage they claim is owed to them after the company shut its doors in January without any notice.

"It's bad. It's really bad. They did an awful thing to us," said former employee Evelyn Rozzero.

The proceeds of the sale are expected to go to the company's creditors. However, the laid off workers said they should be paid first.

The company was auctioning off leftover products, including expensive cigarette lighters, cigar cutters, cuff links, money clips, bracelets and clocks.