Oakland Teachers Lead Shut Down of Wells Fargo Branch

Oakland Teachers Lead Shut-Down of Wells Fargo Branch

by Jonathan Nack

OAKLAND, CA - Teachers led a shut down of the main branch of Wells Fargo bank in Oakland on Monday, April 4. The protesters called for a bailout of schools and services, not banks, and to stop foreclosures.

The protest was organized by leaders of the Oakland Education Association (OEA) and joined by other unionists and community members. Wells Fargo bank managers decided to close the branch rather than face the wrath of the protesters.

The bank protest was part of a day of activities in Oakland and around the country called, “We Are One,” in solidarity with state workers in Wisconsin. Thousands rallied blocks from the protest at Frank Ogawa Plaza in front of City Hall.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) announced that it had shut down the entire Port of Oakland in solidarity with the We Are One events.