Does Harley-Davidson’s future hinge on leaving Wisconsin? Harley-Davidson operations communications manager Pat Sweeney says management on Thursday shared with workers company-wide the conclusions of a competitiveness study which has revealed significant gaps. “While our preference is to find ways to address those gaps and keep our production operations here in Wisconsin, we also have to explore alternative U.S. sites should we be unable to achieve a workable solution to close those gaps here,” says Sweeny.
Sweeney says at this point, no specific proposals have been made to workers or to union representatives, but that is the next step. A call to United SteelWorkers International Union Local 2-209 President Mike Masik had been returned as of Thursday afternoon. The union represents some 1500 Harley-Davidson workers in the Milwaukee area. Sweeny says the company has also notified state and local elected officials – but only to inform them of the discussions with workers.
Bob Hague interview (3:30 MP3) AUDIO: Pat Sweeney (3:30 MP3)
