Press Release for Monday, July 2, 2012 at 5:00pm
Contact: Umang Patel, 267-254-7698 or umang@fightforphilly.org
Philadelphia – Today over a hundred Philadelphians gathered for a march demanding corporate accountability from elected officials and major companies.
The march was bookended by protests at Verizon and Comcast – two major job outsourcers. The Communications Workers of America (CWA), who have been battling with Verizon for a contract for twelve months, led the charge in front a Verizon Wireless retail store on 12th and Market. CWA members hoisted signs that read “Verizon Workers 99%” and the salaries of Verizon executives.
While taking the street in front of Senator Toomey’s office, protestors demanded that support the Bring Jobs Home Act, rather than focusing on tax loopholes and tax breaks for big corporations that offshore American jobs. The “Bring Jobs Home Act,” introduced by Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) will curb tax giveaways to companies that send jobs overseas and provide tax incentives for businesses that bring jobs home.
Anne Gemmell, Political Director of Fight for Philly, said in front of the Senator’s office. “The 99% is under attack. In the midst of tough economic times, when lawmakers should be working together to create quality jobs and find a way out of our country’s deepening recession, Republicans in congress – like Senator Toomey – are focused on the wrong priorities.” She went on further to say, “They are focused on protecting tax loopholes and big bonuses for big corporations that send American jobs overseas. Meanwhile, working families are desperate for jobs and falling further and further behind.”