Harley-Davidson’s historically combative attitude towards unionised workers seems to have melted away into a veritable love-in. Without the slightest grief, Harley has just ratified generous new collective bargaining agreements with trade unions representing employees at its Wisconsin manufacturing facilities.
These horny-handed sons of toil are members of United Steelworkers Local 2-209 and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Lodge 78, at Harley’s engine and transmission assembly plant in Pilgrim Road, Menomonee Falls, and United Steelworkers Local 460 personnel making injection-moulded bodywork and other components at its Tomahawk site 230 miles north-west of Milwaukee.
Following a satisfactory conclusion on 8 April, Harley supremo Jochen Zeitz said: “Today’s announcement reinforces the strong and positive relationship between Harley-Davidson and the unions. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank both union and company representatives for their hard and most constructive work in achieving an agreement.”