US Uncut is a decentralized direct action group in the United States established in February 2011 to combat corporate tax avoidance and highlight cuts to social spending and public sector jobs.[1] It draws its name, organizing structure, and tactics from UK Uncut, a movement that began four months earlier in London, England.
The group's first action occurred simultaneously in 50 cities across the United States, mostly at Bank of America branches. Since then, the group has expanded both its targets and its numbers.[2] As of May 2011, over 100 cities have had Uncut sponsored actions.[3]
In addition to Bank of America, US Uncut has held protests at Verizon stores, BP stations, FedEx stores, and Target stores.[4]
Bank of America, the original target, was chosen for its role in the financial crisis and the fact that it paid no income taxes in 2009 or 2010.[5]
Verizon made over $24 billion in 2010, yet received a tax benefit of $1.3 billion.[4] The significant tax benefit it received was mostly due to redirecting profits through its British partner Vodafone, which has been the frequent target of UK Uncut.[6]
British Petroleum received a tax benefit of $9.9 billion for 2010 due to costs associated with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.