Posted February 6, 2007   Email   Print

Harley-Davidson and union to meet with mediator on York labor dispute

Harley-Davidson and union officials representing workers at its York, Pennsylvania, plant planned to meet today with a federal mediator to discuss the labor dispute that has halted production of some Harley models.

Harley-Davidson shut down its York plant on February 1 in anticipation of a strike by the union. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 175 began picketing when its contract expired at 12:01 a.m. February 3.

The York workers overwhelmingly rejected a contract offer that had been accepted by Harley employees in the Milwaukee area. Harley-Davidson said concessions on wages and health-care benefits were needed from workers for the long-term health of the company. Union officials countered that a company with 20 consecutive years of growth and $5.8 billion in revenue last year should not be asking for concessions from employees.

About 2,700 employees at the York plant, which builds Softail and touring models, are off the job as a result of the dispute. Harley-Davidson officials have said it may temporarily lay off workers at some of its other plants that produce engines and transmissions for the motorcycles assembled at York.

Read more at Harley-Davidson's website and the union website.

 © 2007, American Motorcyclist Association