Why is North Carolina still giving millions of dollars in giveaways to Corning?
North Carolina state and local governments have approved nearly $47 million in tax credits, training programs, site improvements and gifted land for Corning since 2015. Meanwhile, Corning has missed job targets, sold a subsidized facility - throwing over 100 people out of work, and is fighting its own workers' right to organize.
Corning is a highly profitable Fortune 500 company riding a wave of multi-billion-dollar contracts with Meta, Amazon, and NVIDIA. In 2025 alone, Corning delivered over $1 billion to shareholders through buybacks and dividends.
Yet across North Carolina, Corning has repeatedly taken public subsidies and failed to deliver on its promises.
Took subsidies, then sold the facility
In Edgecombe County ("Project Agate"), Corning received free land worth $2.2 million, a 10-year property tax abatement, and $2.85 million in state JDIG funds. After failing to meet investment requirements — requiring multiple amendments to the agreement — Corning announced in February 2026 it was selling the facility and laying off 123 workers.
Missing Timelines on Investment and Job Targets
In Catawba County ("Project Checkmate"), Corning received up to $6.6 million in local subsidies and promised to invest $150 million and create 200 jobs by 2024. As of June 2024, Corning had hired zero of the 200 workers and invested only $24.5 million — yet the county and city had already paid Corning over $500,000 and simply extended the deadline with no penalties. One year later, the county and city approved additional subsidies and free land, worth $8.9 million total, for Corning.
Fighting workers who want a voice
While Corning has long collaborated with unions at facilities in New York and other states, in North Carolina it has waged an aggressive anti-union campaign. The NLRB issued a formal complaint against Corning for threats and intimidation during organizing at its Durham facility. In Winston-Salem, workers filed charges alleging that a union supporter was illegally fired, that another union supporter was disciplined, and that the company changed workplace rules to prevent workers from talking with one another.
Enough is Enough
We're not asking you to reject investment. We need you to protect taxpayers by making sure any support for Corning includes:
Enforceable commitments
Specific job creation and wage targets with automatic clawback provisions if the company falls short. No "best efforts" loopholes.Job quality standards
Family-sustaining wages, health care, retirement benefits, and a clean OSHA and wage-and-hour compliance record as a condition of continued eligibility.Respect for workers' rights
A written commitment not to use subsidized funds to hire union-avoidance consultants or interfere with workers' freedom to organize. Ensure that companies with track records of labor law violations are not eligible for subsidies.Transparency
Public disclosure of the beneficiary, total package value, enforcement mechanisms, and annual reporting before any final vote.
No More Corporate Giveaways without Good Jobs
Every dollar given to big corporations without accountability is a dollar not spent on schools, water systems, roads, and public safety.
North Carolina can bring in good jobs without giving away the store. We just have to insist on it.