Bank of America is holding a special shareholder meeting today in Charlotte related to repaying federal bailout money. Current Bank of America security officer Emmett Quattlebaum will be at the special meeting to call on BofA executives to provide good jobs for working families. Below is a prepared statement:
When Bank of America was on the ropes, U.S. taxpayers stepped in to help it through hard times, but Bank of America executives have turned their backs on working families. After BofA took over former-Merrill Lynch buildings, more than 30 of my coworkers lost their jobs and more than 100 lost their affordable health care coverage.
Before the merger, I had quality health care and a good union contract. Now, like many of my coworkers without insurance, I have to leave my health up to chance. I could be at risk of a stroke but can’t afford the CAT scan I need.
For the past six years, I have proudly worked as a security officer at 2,4 World Financial Center. Working near Ground Zero, I take my job seriously. Every day, my coworkers and I keep Bank of America’s employees and property safe. All we are asking for is secure jobs and the ability to support ourselves and our families. While BofA might have paid back its TARP debt, it’s time for Bank of America to repay America’s working families.
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updated 2/23/2010