MILWAUKEE – UAW Local 469 members at Master Lock saw a beacon of hope when newly negotiated contract language between the union and company brought jobs back from China last year – something workers would like to see become a trend in American manufacturing.

On June 22, the UAW and AFL-CIO affiliates will hold the first of several nationwide events to launch their “America Wants to Work” mobilization campaign near Master Lock’s flagship factory in Wisconsin, which has been producing iconic padlocks since 1921.

The mobilization also focuses on the Bring Jobs Home Act, a legislative package introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., that would eliminate tax breaks allowing companies to deduct expenses associated with moving operations overseas, while still encouraging them to assist displaced workers. It would also provide a tax credit to corporations that bring jobs back to the United States.

The bill is expected to be voted on in early July when Congress convenes after the Independence Day recess.

“The return of solid, middle-class jobs to Milwaukee was huge for us, especially in this economy,” said Ron McInroy, director of UAW Region 4, which covers Wisconsin. “Master Lock provides a great example of what we can achieve when we work together to invest in America and American workers.”

Here are more details of this Friday’s event:

Who: UAW Region 4 Director Ron McInroy

 UAW Local 469 President Mike Bink

 Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis. (2nd District), and 2012 U.S. Senate candidate

When: June 22 at 2:30 p.m. 

Where: UAW Local 9 (Local 469’s union hall)
             9618 W. Greenfield Ave.
             West Allis, Wis.