TerribleTabo Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 Harley-Davidson Shuts Down Plant After Workers OK Strike Thursday, February 01, 2007 PENNSYLVANIA — Harley-Davidson Inc. (HOG) shut down production at its largest manufacturing plant Thursday, a day after its unionized workers rejected the company's contract offer and authorized a strike. "We are obviously disappointed by the union's decision," Fred Gates, general manager of Harley-Davidson's York operations, said in a statement. "The proposed contract was structured to help manage future costs that could be detrimental to our business over the long term." The statement also announced the suspension of production of the company's Touring and Softail motorcycles. Officials at the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 175 did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment Thursday. A strike is expected to begin as early as 12:01 a.m. Friday if a new deal cannot be reached by then, when the contract expires. The company said its proposal included annual wage increases of 4 percent over three years. But part of the increase depended on the union agreeing to contribute toward health insurance coverage; unionized employees currently pay no premium. It also would have doubled the company's 401(k) retirement plan contributions and created a two-tier wage system under which new hires would be paid less than current ones. The facility employs more than 3,200 union and nonunion workers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FoosH Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 Poor Union Laborers... There was once a time and place in this country for Union labor. With all of the fair labor laws being enacted, this ain't it. I had to stop shopping Albertson's a few years back due to their Union's insane DEMANDS regarding healthcare. I know we've got some pro-union supporters here. Just speaking from experience. I saw plenty of mills shut down back home. Between that damned Spotted Owl, and the Union...they didn't stand a chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCH Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 Makes me wonderif it is a plan to get the availability (supply) less than wantability (demand) so they can get back to getting a lot more than MSRP at the dealerships for their bikes. HMMMM.....Softails and Touring models. Probably makes up the lions share of their sales. Fuck 'em, I got my Chief. There was once a time and place in this country for Union labor. With all of the fair labor laws being enacted, this ain't it. Take a look at some of the laws they are trying to pass, and you will see that fair has nothing to do with business. I still think that Unions have a place, and that is to keep workers rights (not their jobs) in place. The Unions also have the responsibility to provide the employer with qualified people. A lot of the aprenticeships are handled by the Unions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackdog Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 (edited) Makes me wonderif it is a plan to get the availability (supply) less than wantability (demand) so they can get back to getting a lot more than MSRP at the dealerships for their bikes. HMMMM.....Softails and Touring models. Probably makes up the lions share of their sales. Fuck 'em, I got my Chief. Amen and... I hope it goes down!!! Best damn thing that could happen to competition in the segment would be for indian to come out when Hardley tries to gouge. Harley ate Indians lunch while Indian fought the wars - literally. Wouldn't this be sweet turnabout (if it lasted for awhile)? Edited February 1, 2007 by Blackdog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badndn Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 harlet ain't hurting. earnings were 10% above forecasts last quarter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mochief Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 Makes me wonderif it is a plan to get the availability (supply) less than wantability (demand) so they can get back to getting a lot more than MSRP at the dealerships for their bikes. HMMMM.....Softails and Touring models. Probably makes up the lions share of their sales. Fuck 'em, I got my Chief. Take a look at some of the laws they are trying to pass, and you will see that fair has nothing to do with business. I still think that Unions have a place, and that is to keep workers rights (not their jobs) in place. The Unions also have the responsibility to provide the employer with qualified people. A lot of the aprenticeships are handled by the Unions. amen my brother! i.a.m. district 9, lodge 688 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whadayawant Posted February 2, 2007 Share Posted February 2, 2007 Bricklayers and Plasters Int. Rubber, Cork, and Linolium Workers of America Steel Worker I work for myself now, but I'm still a union man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aikenscout Posted February 2, 2007 Share Posted February 2, 2007 That's the first thought I had, that HD wanted an excuse to cut back supply. Dealers have a glut of unsold bikes. Dumps it on the "greedy' union. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Bricklayers and Plasters Int. Rubber, Cork, and Linolium Workers of America Steel Worker I work for myself now, but I'm still a union man. Hire a few employees, treat them well and let them unionize - and then tell me you're still a union man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badndn Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Hire a few employees, treat them well and let them unionize - and then tell me you're still a union man. exactly. or let them negotiate your job to a non-union plant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charger Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Hire a few employees, treat them well and let them unionize - and then tell me you're still a union man. Don't get me started on that "UNION DEBATE",....cause I just got my Passport, N I'll cross over the Bluewater Bridge...n Shit on yer dr step!!! lol Those repeative jobs SUCK!!! besides, ..those H-d employees SAVED the company back when the bowling ball GREADY FUKs, had it ALL fukerd up......er maybee ya don't remember that... U.A.W. local 36......solidarity FOREVER!!!! Fuk U SCABs......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCH Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 (edited) Hire a few employees, treat them well and let them unionize - and then tell me you're still a union man. If you treat them well, there won't be a need for them to unionize. Every place that has a union, deserves them. edited for spelling... Edited February 3, 2007 by RCH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 (edited) Every place that has a union, deserves them. edited for spelling... There may be some truth to that. Don't get me started on that "UNION DEBATE",....cause I just got my Passport, N I'll cross over the Bluewater Bridge...n Shit on yer dr step!!! lol Those repeative jobs SUCK!!! besides, ..those H-d employees SAVED the company back when the bowling ball GREADY FUKs, had it ALL fukerd up......er maybee ya don't remember that... U.A.W. local 36......solidarity FOREVER!!!! Fuk U SCABs......... Somewhere in a recent thread I noted that what saved H-D was their employees, not a bunch of lawyers with money. I'm not saying there's never a call for a union, but I'm thinking they're highly over-rated, and often. Any time you want to head up this way (3 days driving from Toronto), I'll lay out the mat for you. See if you can't bring Pop while you're at it. Edited February 3, 2007 by Canuck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whadayawant Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Hire a few employees, treat them well and let them unionize - and then tell me you're still a union man. As usual, I forgot to proof-read. I'm an ONION man. i EAT'EM ON EVERYTHING. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charger Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 There may be some truth to that. Somewhere in a recent thread I noted that what saved H-D was their employees, not a bunch of lawyers with money. I'm not saying there's never a call for a union, but I'm thinking they're highly over-rated, and often. Any time you want to head up this way (3 days driving from Toronto), I'll lay out the mat for you. See if you can't bring Pop while you're at it. I thought you LONDON way...??? I used ta travel "The QUEENs HWY." regular....lota money ta be made there..er used ta be, since 911 & the sudafed crack dwn, it just ain't fun cross'n the border....but if I could cross as fast as YOUR Garbage crosses ta MICHIGAN,...I'ld still go over....lota SQUAWS, in BRANDFORT... I thought you LONDON way...??? I used ta travel "The QUEENs HWY." regular....lota money ta be made there..er used ta be, since 911 & the sudafed crack dwn, it just ain't fun cross'n the border....but if I could cross as fast as YOUR Garbage crosses ta MICHIGAN,...I'ld still go over....lota SQUAWS, in BRANDFORT... CALGARY....DAM they still ride horseback there ...don't they..??? I thought you LONDON way...??? I used ta travel "The QUEENs HWY." regular....lota money ta be made there..er used ta be, since 911 & the sudafed crack dwn, it just ain't fun cross'n the border....but if I could cross as fast as YOUR Garbage crosses ta MICHIGAN,...I'ld still go over....lota SQUAWS, in BRANDFORT... CALGARY....DAM they still ride horseback there ...don't they..??? I could ride my snomoble there.........!!?! I thought you LONDON way...??? I used ta travel "The QUEENs HWY." regular....lota money ta be made there..er used ta be, since 911 & the sudafed crack dwn, it just ain't fun cross'n the border....but if I could cross as fast as YOUR Garbage crosses ta MICHIGAN,...I'ld still go over....lota SQUAWS, in BRANDFORT... CALGARY....DAM they still ride horseback there ...don't they..??? I could ride my snomoble there.........!!?! shouldn't take tooooo long ta get there..if yer trails are like ours...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MOE Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 dammit charger you're answering your own post again. hell you are arguing with yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littleman Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Makes me wonderif it is a plan to get the availability (supply) less than wantability (demand) so they can get back to getting a lot more than MSRP at the dealerships for their bikes. HMMMM.....Softails and Touring models. Probably makes up the lions share of their sales. Fuck 'em, I got my Chief. Take a look at some of the laws they are trying to pass, and you will see that fair has nothing to do with business. I still think that Unions have a place, and that is to keep workers rights (not their jobs) in place. The Unions also have the responsibility to provide the employer with qualified people. A lot of the aprenticeships are handled by the Unions. I can speak for apprenticeships in wisconsin, Im a local 18 sheet metal worker that went thru the apprenticeship and have gotten the chance to be the instructor of the very class I graduated from! I get to teach union and non-union side by side.................There are good non-union men but they dont stay that way for long when they see what they are missing, And yes when both employers have the same charge out rate but the non-union fella gets paid shit with shit for insurance, Well he doesnt have to be a rocket scientist to figure it out! Yes I pay into 2 different unions and damn proud of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brock Posted February 4, 2007 Share Posted February 4, 2007 then how do the jap car companies hire so many people if they dont allow unions in.....is it the higher wages, better benefits without having to pay annual dues that gets them to quit the big three and go to the imports??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCH Posted February 4, 2007 Share Posted February 4, 2007 then how do the jap car companies hire so many people if they dont allow unions in.....is it the higher wages, better benefits without having to pay annual dues that gets them to quit the big three and go to the imports??? Maybe they treat their employees better than the US companies do. There is definitely a cultural difference between the two employers (US and Japanese). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charger Posted February 4, 2007 Share Posted February 4, 2007 dammit charger you're answering your own post again. hell you are arguing with yourself. Couldn't help myself......when yer talk'n 3 days ride from toronto,.......is that on horseback...lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littleman Posted February 4, 2007 Share Posted February 4, 2007 then how do the jap car companies hire so many people if they dont allow unions in.....is it the higher wages, better benefits without having to pay annual dues that gets them to quit the big three and go to the imports??? Are you taking over there or here? Over there they live to work, Over here we work to live, BIG difference! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lkldwolverine Posted February 4, 2007 Share Posted February 4, 2007 http://www.japantoday.com/jp/news/380549 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Posted February 4, 2007 Share Posted February 4, 2007 (edited) Over here we work to live, BIG difference! Bwahahahahahaha....North Americans work to live....hahahahahahahahaha...that's some funny shit. If you want to see what life is really like when you work to live, go live somewhere that's like that. Spain and Italy are my two favourites that come to mind. While it might be true that Japanese folk live to work, we do the same damn shit here. Big house, big truck (or Hummer/Escalade/Yukon/Expedition), big bike, skinny wife, skinny TV, skinny laptop...and it all needs to be replaced every 24 months for the new version (wife included). Have to pay for that shit somehow - more money more money more money. And yes, I do like it better over there - once I figure out the how, I will settle the family somewhere that places more importance on relationships than it does on bank accounts. 'Course those are pretty blanket statements - not everyone trades their wife in every two years...for some it's more like 5 Edited February 4, 2007 by Canuck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boss Posted February 4, 2007 Share Posted February 4, 2007 And yes, I do like it better over there - once I figure out the how, I will settle the family somewhere that places more importance on relationships than it does on bank accounts. 'Course those are pretty blanket statements - not everyone trades their wife in every two years...for some it's more like 5 I have travelled for work in many countries and it was all the same, just people trying to put food on the table to make well for there families. I have worked union and non-union and they both at the end of day are just men and women trying to make the best of there lives. Now in Fort McMurray you see more of the big ticket items then you can shake a stick at. The Edmonton Mercedes dealership has a service to pick your car up in Fort McMurray and bring to Edmonton for service and return it back to your door. I think it is more of the I want it spoiled brat thing, or keeping up with Jones. Sad to watch as you know that if the job dried up, even for 2 months, most of them would not be able to put food on there table they are so extended to a bank. If you do however find that great place were the family is more important please share I would indeed make that leap in a second. I can without a doubt say that the best things I have gained in my life is just my family all the rest is nice to have but not a necessity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maldev Posted February 6, 2007 Share Posted February 6, 2007 Damn. Now where are those boys going to get their tshirts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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