TOM GAULRUPP FOR BUZZFLASH AT TRUTHOUT

On Wednesday,workers facing outsourcing by Bain will begin to camp outside the Sensata factory in Freeport, IL, to protest Bain’s decision to ship their jobs to China and continue their call on former Bain CEO Mitt Romney—who still profits directly from Sensata—to help save their jobs. Romney has so far ignored their plea for help, and the workers are determined to camp out until Romney comes to Freeport. Meanwhile, they’ll make the reality of Romney’s vision for our economy clear to Freeport residents and voters across the country.

Over the past few months, Sensata workers have tried to contact Romney with a 35,000 signature petition, frequent protests outside the plant, and trips to nearby campaign offices. In July, the Freeport City Council unanimously passed a resolution calling on Romney to come meet the workers and use his influence at Bain to intervene on their behalf. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn echoed their call during a trip to Freeport later that month. The situation has even become an issue in the congressional race in Illinois’ 17th district.

When Romney didn’t respond, the workers took their campaign directly to Romney at the RNC in Tampa.

“Mitt Romney refused to meet us in Tampa, but as a presidential candidate, he can’t keep ignoring American workers,” said Bonnie Borman, who has worked at the plant for 23 years. “We’re asking him again to come to Freeport and help us save our jobs. If he wants to show leadership, he should stand with the middle class—not companies like Bain that want to ship our jobs overseas. And we’re not leaving until he does.”

Sensata Technologies, which was created by Bain Capital in 2006, develops, manufactures, and sells sensors and controls for major auto manufacturers such as Ford and General Motors. Despite rising profits, the company plans to institute the final layoffs in November—just in time for the holidays. The workers are currently training their Chinese replacements, who have been flown to Illinois by the company.