FLOC Shifts Focus to Reynolds’ Lender
JPMorgan Chase!
On June 25, 2010, FLOC opened a new front in the campaign to pressure Reynolds American into a constructive dialogue around human rights violations in its supply chain. At a Rally in front of a Chase building in Detroit, President Baldemar Velasquez announced that the union will spend the summer building support for a divestment campaign of JPMorgan Chase until the company does something to bring its financial partner Reynolds American to the table.
In a true show of solidarity and coalition building, the action in Detroit was jointly organized by FLOC and Moratorium Now, an organization targeting JPMorgan Chase for their role in the mortgage foreclosure crisis.
After gathering at a nearby park in downtown Detroit, hundreds of supporters marched to the Chase building, occupying the front steps and side walk, taking up the length of the building. Throughout the morning, the atmosphere was animated and filled with spirit, as nearly a dozen speakers kept action, social justice, and solidarity center stage. “The UAW is going to stand with all people of conscience fighting for justice around this globe . . . we’re going to stand with the workers in the NC tobacco fields!” declared newly elected president of the United Auto Workers, Bob King.
Delegation leaders entered the building and met with corporate leaders, securing guarantees to open a dialogue on both issues.
After giving the good news about the company’s first step, President Velasquez said that this will not stop the divestment campaign; we are ready to “start the divestment campaign the day after Labor Day if nothing is done in the tobacco fields.” All in attendance pledged to keep up the pressure until real change has been realized, chanting in unison, “Hasta La Victoria.”
FLOC will organize events around the country to encourage organizations and individuals that are Chase customers of conscience to pledge to take their money out of the bank and close credit cards beginning on September 7th.
Help us make history and bring justice to the tobacco fields of the South.
Make the Pledge and spread the word!
