Gainesville and Ocala Bank of America Protests

On 6/19/2009, Gainesville area workers and their families held a public rally in front of a local Bank of America branch to protest the corporation’s decision to spend taxpayer money - provided by the recent bank bailout - to help fund a national campaign to block the Employee Free Choice Act in Congress. Workers across the country have held similar protests at Bank of America locations since January when it became public that the corporate giant was helping to fund a multi-million dollar disinformation campaign against the Employee Free Choice Act shortly after the company received over $25 billion in taxpayer money as part of the federal bailout. The Employee Free Choice Act, which is nearing passage in Washington, will protect the fundamental right of workers to bargain collectively for fair wages, decent health care and a secure retirement. When asked about Bank of America's monetary contributions to block the Employee Free Choice Act, a bank spokeswoman offered a side step statement, "Bank of America has not sponsored any events aimed at influencing the EFCA [sic] (Employee Free Choice Act)." Members from UAW, AFT, UFF, OPEIU, IBEW, Working America, APWU, AFGE, and UA were in attendance showing solidarity under the banner of the North Central Florida Central Labor Council.  

On 6/20/2009, Ocala area workers and their families held another public rally in front of a local Bank of America branch to continue the effort of their Brothers and Sisters nationwide. Over 20 members from UAW, the North West Central Florida Retirees Council, AFT, UA, and Working America were in attendance showing even more solidarity under the banner of the North Central Florida Central Labor Council!

Both of these events gave the North Central Florida Central Labor Council more visibility in Gainesville/Ocala area, while allowing the members and leaders to connect our message about the importance of the Employee Free Choice Act to the public. A special thanks to everyone that passed out flyers at red lights!