Starting today, supporters of WakeUpWalMart.com and local elected officials will hold press conferences throughout the country to launch a new campaign “Give Workers a break, not Wal-Mart.” The national effort will call on local officials and candidates at the local, state and federal level to side with workers, not Walmart.
As part of the launch of this new campaign, local WakeUpWalmart.com supporters, elected officials and candidates for office will gather outside Walmart stores to speak out about how the world’s largest retailer stands to profit from John McCain’s tax plan while working Americans continue to struggle in this tough economy. Supporters of WakeUpWalmart.com will hand out flyers to tell Wal-Mart customers how the retail giant stands to save billions under John McCain’s tax plan.
Elected officials, community leaders and candidates will also sign the “Give Workers a Break, Not Wal-Mart Pledge” which calls on John McCain, as well as local and state governments to demand that Wal-Mart end its irresponsible and immoral business practices.
John McCain has a history of supporting tax breaks for corporate America and the super rich over middle-class Americans, particularly in recent years. Wal-Mart, the richest and most powerful company in America, and the ultra-rich Walton family have benefited significantly from McCain's tax cuts and stand to profit even more if McCain is elected president:
In 1999, McCain voted for $792 billion in regressive tax cuts, including special tax breaks for the steel, timber, and oil industries.
In 2006, McCain voted to extend the Bush tax cuts on capital gains and dividends. According to Citizens for Tax Justice The tax cut cost the federal government $70 billion dollars and over two thirds of the benefits went to the richest 1% of Americans.
In 2006, McCain voted to permanently repeal the estate tax, which effects only the wealthiest 1% of Americans. According to Public Citizen, the Walton Family, with a net worth of over $80 billion, would save a staggering $32.6 billion if the estate tax were repealed.
Furthermore, under his current tax plan, Wal-Mart would receive an estimated $1.5 billion in tax breaks from just one aspect of John McCain’s tax plan.
Wal-Mart is already profiting from our nation's economic downturn. Now is not the time to give Wal-Mart even more tax breaks but to tell John McCain and politicians around the country to give workers a break, not Wal-Mart.
Posted by James - July 23, 2008 12:47 PM - Action
It is ridiculous to say that Walmart has "irresponsible and immoral business practices". Walmart is a business just like any other. Businesses are in business to generate revenue. Walmart provides products and services for the revenue...a business such as AFL-CIO generates revenue, taking money from the working poor to do what with? Walmart associates are very well taken care of and the customer is the number one priority. Community and environment are additionally a tremendous focus. Companies make mistakes, ALL companies...not just Walmart. It is "irresponsible" to make these derogatory comments when other businesses are operating just as Walmart is.
Posted by Walmart Advocate - July 25, 2008 08:31 AM
Walmart Advocate: I agree completely. This is all a ploy because the union is angry that they are not able to get into Wal-mart. If every one will think back, The union did the same thing to Cub Foods. After Cub Foods said no to the union, the union picketed outside Cubs for years. They are doing the same thing here with this website. The union sees BIG, BIG money if they are able to get into Wal-mart. They are not going to be able to better anyones lives. Check out the news. Unions are losing membership all over the nation. People are finally starting to realize that unions have become political playgrounds and are of little use to anyone anymore. It's a shame because they used to help their membership...
Posted by Mike - August 11, 2008 05:22 PM