Boston: Thousands march on Bank of America

Women’s Fightback Network demands: ‘Bail out women and communities, not banks!’ WW photo: Maeureen Skehan

Thousands of demonstrators marched on Bank of America in Boston on Sept. 30. Shouting, “Whose city?! Our city!” the protesters encircled the block-long bank, blocking the exits and bringing normal business to a halt. Two dozen people were arrested inside and outside the bank to the deafening cheers of supporters, including many youth of color, community activists and union members.

Members of Service Employees Locals 1199 and 615 led the direct action, but they were not alone. Contingents from UNITE-HERE Local 26, Verizon workers from International Electrical Workers Local 2222 and Communications Workers Local 1400 as well as members of United Auto Workers Local 2223 also took to the streets. They were joined by community activists from City Life/Vida Urbana, United4Justice, Right to the City, the Boston Workers Alliance, the T Riders Union, Jobs With Justice, the Women’s Fightback Network, the Bail Out the People Move­ment and many others.

Keri Evinson, vice president of CWA Local 1400, addressed cheering demonstrators in the middle of the protest, just after the arrests. “Verizon wants to take back 50 years of bargaining — we can’t allow it!” she said.

The demonstration arrived at Bank of America after a mass rally on Boston Common and a boisterous march through the downtown shopping district. The action preceded the first night of Occupy Boston in Dewey Square.