Exposing “pact”
Uber-wealthy corporations and billionaires are taking Californians on a dangerous ride
It’s time to hit the brakes on corporate greed
Who is “pact,” really?
Meet pact:
PROTECTING AMERICAN CONSUMERS TOGETHER
PACT says they’re here to “protect consumers.” But here’s the truth: Protecting American Consumers Together is a corporate-funded front group designed to gut consumer rights and protect powerful companies from being held accountable in court for harming people.
Backed by the same big corporations that funded anti-consumer laws in Florida and Georgia, PACT is pouring money into flashy advertising and deceptive messaging to try and prevent accountability in California.
Don’t be fooled by the marketing. PACT protects corporations – not you.
What They Say vs.
WHAT’s Really Happening
1
WHAT THEY SAY
WHAT’S REALLY HAPPENING
Uber supports its drivers and offers them flexibility and independence.
False. Uber has faced numerous lawsuits alleging that it misclassified drivers as independent contractors, denying them employee benefits such as minimum wage, overtime pay, and sick leave.
Uber ensures fair compensation for its drivers.
2
False. Many Uber drivers earn less than minimum wage and ride-hail drivers in major California cities make an average hourly wage of $5.97 without tips.
[KQED]
“We're committed to a legal system that protects – not exploits – because consumers deserve a justice system they can trust.”
-PACT Website
3
False. PACT has aligned itself with efforts to limit non-economic damages in personal injury cases, a move that disproportionately harms low-income and elderly victims. These caps reduce the financial accountability of corporations while limiting what victims can recover for pain, suffering, or long-term harm. In states like Florida and Georgia, similar caps have made it harder for injured people to pursue justice, and PACT has backed comparable proposals in California.
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PACT doesn't publicly disclose all its funders, but its board includes executives from major corporations like Uber and Waffle House. These affiliations suggest a strong corporate influence aiming to limit consumer rights.
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Despite its name, Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) is not a grassroots consumer advocacy group. Instead, it's a corporate-funded initiative aiming to limit consumers' ability to hold corporations accountable for wrongdoing. PACT is part of a nationwide strategy by corporate interests to weaken consumer protections. In states like Florida and Georgia, similar efforts have led to laws that limit jury trials and shield companies from accountability. Now, PACT is bringing this agenda to California.
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We know PACT’s Playbook: Present themselves as consumer advocates, launch expensive ad campaigns to sway public opinion, push for laws that limit the ability of individuals to hold corporations accountable, and use unverified personal stories to justify sweeping legal changes. Additionally, PACT uses emotionally charged, anecdotal stories to push their agenda, often unverifiable. This tactic distracts from the broader impact of their proposed legal changes, which could strip away vital consumer protections.
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In states like Georgia, tort reform has led to limitations on damages awarded to victims, reduced liability for corporations, & hurdles for individuals seeking justice in court. These changes have made it harder for everyday people to seek redress when harmed by corporate negligence.
