(PHILADELPHIA) – Teamsters from the tri-state area, members of SEIU, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division, community allies, and store owners rallied today outside Philadelphia’s City Hall to protest the proposed soda tax. While Coca Cola, Pepsi, Canada Dry trucks and Teamster 18-wheelers circled city hall, rank-and-file Teamsters held signs saying, “No More Taxes”. View more photos from the rally,here.

“This soda tax is a regressive tax that will hurt our industry,” said Bill Hamilton, Teamsters International Vice President. “The issue has never been about health and we will all end up paying for this tax with the job losses that will occur if the mayor’s soda tax is passed.”

One of the Teamsters at the rally was Dennis McGinley, a member of Local 830 and a warehouse worker and head steward for the Pepsi warehouse in Philadelphia. “If this tax goes through, people could end up losing their jobs. I am thinking about the future of the industry – and my kids. This is one of the biggest industries that are here and through hard work you can earn a good living.”

Danny Grace, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 830 wrapped up the event by rallying the crowds of hundreds when he explained that, “With a stroke of a pen in that building they could put us all out of a job. This is an egregious tax against people and the soda industry. We need family-sustaining jobs with good wages and health care. We have to send a clear message today – no more taxes!”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

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