About 30-40 workers at Meadowcraft gathered outside the entrance to the plant at Craig Industrial Park, seeking their pay checks.

Workers told reporters for The Selma Times-Journal they were uncertain if they would receive checks. Later, a representative from management arrived at the gate and told the workers there “the bank has funded your checks, come and get them.”

STJ reporter Caleb R. Johnson went with the workers to the office, but was turned away at the door by a Meadowcraft representative, who said officials from Montgomery would release a statement later Friday.

Workers also received a letter dated March 20:

“As you are aware, Meadowcraft has struggled during the current economic turmoil that is affecting virtually every company throughout the world. We have exerted all effort to provide as much work as possible. However, in spite of this Meadowcraft has been unsuccessful.”

The letter said the company plans to continue to operate and provide employment. The company plans to distribute paychecks, which would normally be available on March 20, next week.

The letter also provided an information hotline to workers about paycheck availability and work schedules.

Workers say they earn from about $12 an hour to $15 an hour making the cushions that go on outdoor funiture.

More on this story today online and in Saturday’s print edition of The Selma Times-Journal.