The Harley-Davidson workers at the Menomonee Falls plant are feeling uncertain and nervous as the company announced the shift of some production to Thailand. Workers are concerned about the impact on their jobs and future, with some expressing their worries anonymously to reporters.
Harley-Davidson stated that the production move to Thailand is a temporary transition and only for model year 25. However, workers fear that their jobs will be affected, despite the company’s assurance that it will not impact employment at U.S. facilities.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Union (IAM) expressed anger over the decision, stating that Harley-Davidson had previously promised not to build motorcycles overseas for the U.S. market. The IAM sees this move as a betrayal of American workers and the company’s legacy as an American icon.
In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for Harley-Davidson defended the decision, highlighting the company’s commitment to designing and developing motorcycles in the USA. The spokesperson explained that the production shift to Thailand is part of a manufacturing optimization strategy and will not affect employment in U.S. facilities.
The situation has left workers at the Menomonee Falls plant feeling uneasy and concerned about the future of their jobs. Despite the company’s reassurances, workers believe that jobs may be at risk as production moves overseas.
The Harley-Davidson workers’ union, IAM, has vowed to fight against the production shift and called on the company to reconsider its decision. The union emphasizes the importance of keeping production of Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the United States to support American workers and preserve the company’s legacy.
As the situation unfolds, workers at the Menomonee Falls plant are left wondering about the impact of the production move to Thailand on their jobs and livelihoods. The uncertainty and anxiety among workers reflect the challenges faced by American manufacturing workers in an increasingly globalized economy.