This week, the national Bain Worker Bus tour made its way to the City of Brotherly Love. The bus is traveling through swing states to warn voters of the dangers of a Romney Economy. Bain Capital is the private equity firm founded by Mitt Romney that embodies the soul of Romney Economics. Bain workers involved in the tour include current and former employees from Dunkin Donuts, Sensata, Burlington Coat Factory, Michaels, Outback Steakhouse, and other national chains, and they spoke about their experiences working for Bain-owned companies: low wages; few, if any, benefits; and precarious work situations.
The Bain Bus made stops at Dunkin’ Donuts branches in West Philadelphia and Center City. Fight for Philly and community members cheered for Bain workers who have been touring the country telling the true story of working for a Romney/Bain economy. The workers were greeted by Mr. 1%, a spoof character wearing a suit, an enormous American flag lapel pin, and a pig nose. Mr. 1% shouted “Let’s hear it for Bain Capital!” which was met with a shower of boos and hisses from the crowd. He boasted about the excellence of Bain Capital and went on to say “I care about people! You see, I care about corporations! Because corporations are people, my friend.” Over 75 people listened as workers from Burlington Coat Factory, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Carrabba’s Italian Grill talked about their financial struggles.
Libya Wilson, a Dunkin Donuts worker from Pittsburgh, explained that she and her fiancé both work for Dunkin and struggle to get by. Both work so much for so little pay and rarely have time to spend with their children.
Detroit’s Darrin Little spoke about his experience working for Bain-owned restaurant Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Darrin told the crowd he has worked for the restaurant for almost 10 years and only makes $3 more per hour than when he started.
Shantees Jones from New York, who works for Burlington Coat Factory, is a single mom who can’t make ends meet on just $8/hr. Shantees wants to know if she’ll ever be able to save enough to take her kids to Disney World.
Boston Dunkin’ Donuts employee Simara Martinez told us of her struggles to take care of herself and support her mother on her meager wages. On Tuesday, Richard Hooten from Houston talked about trying to get by on his wages from Burlington Coat Factory.
After the rally Tuesday, the Bain workers helped register people to vote on Pennsyvlania’s last day to register. Thanks for your help!
