?iWon?t?: Unions and Allies Target New iPhone and Tax Loopholes

WASHINGTON, DC – The Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, joined by allies including MoveOn.org, the AFL-CIO, US Action, Jobs with Justice, and the National People’s Alliance announced today the next stage in the fight for middle-class jobs at Verizon and Verizon Wireless.

The groups are launching the nationwide iWon't Campaign, asking Americans to delay upgrading to the new iPhone on Verizon Wireless until the company agrees to a fair contract with its workers. The campaign, which includes online outreach by MoveOn.org and other groups, advertising, grassroots outreach and leafleting at hundreds of Verizon Wireless stores, is timed around the launch of Apple’s new iPhone expected on Tuesday, October 4th.

“Throughout the strike, we heard messages of support from literally hundreds of thousands of Americans who are sick and tired of profitable companies like Verizon and Verizon Wireless showering millions on their CEOs while taking away good jobs,” said Chris Shelton, District 1 Vice-President of the Communications Workers of America. “Today, we are asking everyone who cares about the future of the middle class to help us fight back. Upgrade to the bew iPhone on Verizon Wireless only when the Verizon companies stop trying to downgrade their workers and give them a fair contract.”

“MoveOn.org's 5 million members are committed to fighting the corporate greed that is crushing the American Dream," said Justin Ruben, Executive Director of MoveOn.org. "Verizon and Verizon Wireless jump through hoops to avoid paying federal taxes, dole out millions to their top executives, and then have the audacity to cut back and ask their workers to pay the price. We are joining the iWont Campaign and asking consumers to get the new iPhone on Verizon only when Verizon and Verizon Wireless treat their employees with the respect and fairness they deserve.”

The coalition will also work to expose the “Verizon Tax Loopholes” – the tricks and tax dodges Verizon and Verizon Wireless use to pay nothing at all in federal corporate income taxes even as they make billions in profits, pay their top 5 executives hundreds of millions of dollars, and undermine the American Dream of good middle-class jobs. As Congress considers ways to close the deficit, the CWA and its partners will lead a grassroots campaign calling on lawmakers to force companies like Verizon to pay their fair share in federal taxes and respect workers’ rights.

“Why should Verizon and Verizon Wireless – which make billions of dollar a year – pay less in taxes than America’s small businesses and working families?” said Ed Mooney, District 2-13 Vice-President of the Communications Workers of America. “And why should the American public subsidize Verizon’s attack on the middle class with billions in tax rebates? As Congress considers drastic cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and hundreds of programs that the country depends on, we think Verizon and Verizon Wireless’ tax breaks should get a second look.”

Since August, 45,000 Verizon and Verizon Wireless workers have been fighting to protect their health care coverage and other standard employee benefits against company demands for massive takebacks that threaten tens of thousands of middle class families.

Contact: Dan Levitan (646) 200-5315, Dan@BerlinRosen.com