The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations is speaking out in support of International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers Local 84811 fighting to keep their manufacturing jobs in Janesville.
Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale says what is happening at Hufcor is a stark example of an economic system that is rigged against working people. Big-moneyed, out-of-state private equity firms like LA-based OpenGate Capital swoop in and buy local, profitable businesses only to then turn their backs on workers and our local communities by closing down and shipping our jobs out of the country.
The room partition manufacturer announced last week it would keep its research and development, testing, and customer service operations in Janesville while moving it manufacturing division to Mexico.
The Hufcor facility has been in Janesville for over 100 years. Many workers at the facility have over 20 years of service at the plant.
