As motorcycle sales continue to lag, Harley Davidson workers, whose 7-year contract expires on Monday, are concerned about the future.
MENOMONMEE FALLS, WI—Harley Davidson, the makers of the most well-known brand of motorcycles in the world, cannot seem to catch a break.
With an aging customer base, its stock prices have fallen for the last five years and, despite the growing economy and the entry into electric vehicles, Harley has announced the layoffs of hundreds and the closure of its Kansas City plant, transferring the work to its York, PA plant and a plant it is opening in Thailand.
For workers in Wisconsin who are represented by the United Steelworkers and whose 7-year contract expires Monday, times are tense.
“The union contract is expiring April 1,” a long-time employee told WTMJ. “We have no offer and as of right now we have no vote date. They’re also requesting anybody of retiring age to inform them by March 29.”
In Menomonee Falls, workers have begun protesting during their dinner breaks.
“It’s kind of like a bad game show. Do you want what you have now, or do you want to trade it for door No. 3?” one worker told WISN 12 News.
I WORKED IN TOMAHAWK HD FOR 30 YEARS, WAS A GOOD COMPANY AT ONE TIME. NEVER PAID INSURANCE PAID ANYTHING UNTIL LATTER YEARS.HAD MANY UNION POSITIONS INCLUDING UNION PRESIDENT.WE TOLD COMPANY IT WAS A GOOD THING TO WAIT A YEAR FOR A BIKE NOW MARKET FLOODED.ITS ALL ABOUT GREED AND BREAKING THE UNION WITH CASUAL WORKERS WITH NO BENEFITS.HOPEFULLY HARLEY MANAGEMENT WILL WAKE UP AND REALIZE YOU HAVE TO TREAT YOUR EMPLOYEES FAIR. IF THEY CONTINUE THE ROAD THEY ARE ON THE COMPANY WILL END UP BANKRUPT JUST LIKE BEFORE BUT THE UNION WON’T HELP BAIL THEM OUT THIS TIME>