Previous: Harley Davidson Hires Firm to Sell MV Agusta
Next: Erik Buell Racing to Provide 1125R Racing Motorcycles and Racing Parts

Harley Davidson Reaches Tentative Agreement with York Union

by Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" on 11/20/2009

in American Motorcycles, Motorcycle Business

Although a vote is still necessary, the union representing Harley Davidson employees at the York, PA plant will be voting on a proposed contract, December 2nd. Workers at the plant predict the contract will be approved. If negotiations had failed, plans to relocate the plant to Shelbyville, Kentucky were in progress.

This is certainly good news for everyone involved if accepted. I'm guessing there was a big sigh of relief in York.

Link: York Daily Record
Link: Bloomberg

{ 5 comments… add yours below ... }

James 11.20.09 at 3:19 pm: Finally some good news from the American front!
Tin Man 2 11.20.09 at 9:05 pm: This makes a difference to me, The MoCo and Union working together to stay competative in the USA. Just as the Workers at the Auto Co.s have made adjustments over the last 10 Yrs. Thank God Harley did not have to go bankrupt before getting new work rules that reflect changes in manufacturing. Lets hope this signals a Spirit of Cooperation going forward for Yrs to come.
bob 11.23.09 at 11:28 am: Does anyone else see irony in extracting concessions from the union by threatening to move to a former Confederate state?
Chris Robson 11.27.09 at 1:26 am: I am somewhat pleased to see HD stay in York, I do have reservations as to the decision of HD corporate decisions recently and touring York a number of times, it is not the most modern facility and even though they have made renovations, attitudes by labor have not changed. I am sure Our Governor gave away the tax farm to keep the York plant from moving, you will never here about that. Repeating from a previous post, closing the testing facility in Alabama is just another monumental blunder when the new automotive hub of the USA is centered in Alabama. Hell, I would have closed York and built a modern facility in Alabama where there is an abundance of engineering and manufacturing talent. The misconception that the South is a bunch of gun toting Confederate Red Necks is just that, a misconception. Alabama is a right to work state, that is not saying it is union free, but this is not the 30s and 40s where people needed union protection for a safe work environment, the unions of the north killed manufacturing in the north and they forgot who signed their paycheck. Times change, so does the attitude of the American labor force need to change.
Until the union ratifies the contract, it is not a done deal. They have been known for being a bit bullheaded, but keeping a decent paying job(yes they are likely taking pay cuts that still pay better than anywhere else in York), or add to the growing ranks of unemployed in the manufacturing sector. With all the questionable decisions being made by Corporate Pinheads in HD, York operations is certainly not set in stone.
Tin Man 2 11.28.09 at 9:18 am: Where did this Idea that Unions bring poor quality come from? Unions bring stability and pride to the Job, and the right to stand up and cry foul when Management tries to push through shoddy quality to meet the Quota. Workers are no different no matter where they live, the difference is having the power to speak out against poor quality without fear of losing your job to the bosses brother in law. Harley workers build top quality Bikes, to deny that is nonsence, the Paint quality and Fit and Finish are second to none.