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Home > BizTimes Daily > Archives > November 20, 2009
Harley demands concessions in contract offer to York County workers
Published November 20, 2009 - BizTimes Daily
Workers at Harley-Davidson Inc.'s largest production plant in York County, Pa., today received their first look at the company's proposed contract offer and the concessions that may be needed to keep their jobs.
The Springettsbury Township plant employs about 2,000 workers.
Workers and representatives of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 175 met today at the York Expo Center's Toyota Arena.
The company has given workers an ultimatum, saying they must approve the contract to prevent Harley's largest production facility from moving to Kentucky, workers told the Central Penn Business Journal.
However, Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear on Thursday said the likelihood of Harley relocating its plant to Shelbyville, Ky., was "significantly diminished," The Associated Press reported.
Harley spokesmen did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
Under the proposed contract, union workers would pay more for their health care benefits, agree to fewer job classifications as well as increased flexibility to move from one job to another within the plant, workers said.
"This proposal is not all that bad," Jeffrey Stanley, who has worked at Harley for 20 years, told the Central Penn Business Journal.
Milwaukee-based Harley is offering early retirement and severance packages to Pennsylvania workers who want to leave the company.
The union was scheduled to vote on a new contract on Dec. 2.
