Machinists Statement on Harley-Davidson’s Planned Further Offshoring of U.S. Production

Editor’s note: Harley Davidson’s union workers reveal that the company’s decision to offshore predated the EU tariff announcement and is part of a long pattern and practice. Most of the news media is getting this story wrong.

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 25, 2018 – Robert Martinez Jr., International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, released the following statement after Harley-Davidson’s announcement that it will move more production out of the United States.

“Harley-Davidson’s announcement today is the latest slap in the face to the loyal, highly-skilled workforce that made Harley an iconic American brand. Harley pounced on news released Friday regarding EU tariffs on Harley motorcycles and the company will be implementing plans to offshore more production.

“Even before the EU’s announcement, Harley made the decision to close its plant in Kansas City and has manufacturing facilities in India and Brazil. It also announced a future plant in Thailand. This latest move is in keeping with Harley’s past decisions to open plants outside of North America.

“Will Harley use any excuse to ship jobs overseas? Does Harley even understand what ‘Made in America means?’”

The Machinists Union represents Harley-Davidson workers in Milwaukee, Kansas City, MO. and York, PA. The Machinists Union represents 600,000 active and retired members in the North American aerospace, defense, airline, manufacturing, transportation, woodworking, the federal sector and other industries. Machinists Union members work at Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, General Electric, United Airlines, Harley-Davidson and more. Visit goIAM.org for more information.

MADE IN AMERICA.

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