The Trump administration repeatedly has claimed that its tax bill would result in a $4,000 wage increase for workers. Today the AFL-CIO has joined a campaign by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) to demand corporations guarantee this raise in writing. The labor federation is rallying the power of its 12.5 million members and the entire labor movement to support this campaign in every industry.
“CWA has inspired an innovative movement to demand working people get our fair share and expose the scam that is the Republican tax bill,” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. “Working people have heard the same old lies about the benefits of economic policies written by and for greedy corporations for too long. This campaign is about holding corporations and politicians accountable to their claims and getting a much-needed raise for America’s workers.”
On Nov. 20, CWA sent a letter to its major employers, including AT&T, Verizon, General Electric, American Airlines and NBC Universal, calling on them to commit to that raise in writing. In joining the CWA’s efforts, the AFL-CIO is encouraging all unions from all sectors to join in by reaching out to their employers and encouraging all working people to sign a petition that puts employers on notice that they will be held accountable if the Republican tax bill becomes law.
“Working people know better than to believe the boss’ promises unless they are in writing,” said CWA President Chris Shelton. “That’s why my union has asked some of our biggest employers to sign an agreement that says if the tax plan passes, working people will get their $4,000.”
In a powerful op-ed, Shelton laid out how the Republican tax scam would hurt working people and increase the deficit by more than $1 trillion. “Despite the doubletalk from Republicans anxious to sell this plan, it’s not hard to figure out who Republicans really want to help,” Shelton said.
Contact: Carolyn Bobb (202) 637-5018