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Harley Suspends Production at Pennsylvania Plant After Failed Contract Negotiations

Union members may strike as early as 12:01 A.M., February 2.

Harley-Davidson was forced to stop production at its largest manufacturing facility as workers at its York, Penn. plant rejected a contract and planned to strike.

The strike could begin as early as 12:01 A.M., February 2 when the contract expires between Harley-Davidson and the members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) Local 175.

The York plant manufactures Touring and Softail motorcycles.

“We are obviously disappointed by the union’s decision,” said Fred Gates, General Manager of Harley-Davidson’s operations in York. “The proposed contract was structured to help manage future costs that could be detrimental to our business over the long term.”

A statement on the IAMAW website said that while the company did agree to increase worker pay, the employees would be forced to pay healthcare costs.

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