Surprised this hasn't made it here yet, but... Harley to leave Milwaukee?

[TheMightyFavog]

http://www.weau.com/news/headlines/92563084.html

The motorcycle maker employs about 1,700 in Milwaukee and Tomahawk but says it could move if it can't cut millions of dollars in costs.

It reported last week that its first-quarter profit plunged 72% from the same period last year. Local lawmakers say the state may be able to help Harley Davidson.

"There are several instances where once the state gets involved and works with a company to secure additional funding or help support loans, or provide tax free or low interest bonding, you find you can get results that keep jobs in Wisconsin," Senator Pat Kreitlow said.

Governor Doyle says his office has already been in contact with the company.


IMHO, this may be Mercury Marine all over again. They're out to get big time concessions from the Union.

[Viking12]

1. You hit nail. They learned from Merc's extortion.

Don't forget Merc not only screwed the union workers but extracted a sweetheart deal from fond du Lac County as well.

[Scuba]

4. and then Merc paid bonuses to their management staff... sickening

[Jimbo S]

5. So their management staff wouldn't run off for better offers?

[Scuba]

6. Always good to reward the guilty...

...if the company was losing that much $$$$ why would you want to retain management? The Wall Street model of excess arrogance.

[Jimbo S]

7. I guess I was thinking in terms of middle mgmt

If only the top bosses had received the bonuses, then I stand wrong.

[a kennedy]

2. this just makes me sick......

corporate blackmail is all it is.....but, it IS about the jobs. :cry: and who can even afford one of the Harley's, they are so expensive......

[Callalily]

3. Extortion - plain and simple! n/t

[Jimbo S]

8. Harley profits soar, but sales still down

The higher profits come as Harley is telling its union workforce in Wisconsin that the company must reduce its labor costs in the Badger State or it will move elsewhere.

http://www.biztimes.com/daily/2010/7/20/#harley-profits-soar-but-sales-still-down

[midnight]

9. Harley has been supported by Wisconsin and even though

sales are down through the hard work of it's workers the Company is still profiting? I guess "Money trumps Peace" continues to destroy family paying jobs.