NEW YORK (AP) -- Noisy protesters with signs took over three bank building lobbies on Thursday in a prelude to a Wall Street rally by workers and union leaders angry over lost jobs, the taxpayer-funded bailout of financial institutions and questionable lending practices by big banks.
Hours before the scheduled rally, more than 100 people entered a midtown Manhattan building housing JPMorgan Chase offices. They handed a bank executive a letter requesting a meeting with the CEO, and chanted "Bust up big banks!" and "People power!"
A half-hour later, they were calmly escorted outside by officers, who remained expressionless as the protesters chanted, "The police need a raise."
They then walked a few blocks down Park Avenue and crowded into a Wells Fargo and Wachovia building lobby. Police arrived on horseback as curious office workers watched the scene unfold from their windows.
"We're here today to stop the corporate greed that is ruining our neighborhoods," said Andrea Goldman, 59, who's part of a group called Alliance to Develop Power.
Sign slogans included: "Save Our Jobs" and "Save Our Homes."
The banks did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Thousands of workers and union members were expected at the rally, organized by the AFL-CIO, the largest federation of North American labor unions, and an association of community groups.
The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, which includes many Wall Street financial institutions, declined to comment.
