Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Common sense prevails
The workers in the Harley Davidson union have approved plans for an expansion in the Milwauke Area. Union members rejected the deal a month ago despite a recommendation by union leaders. This is good for Milwaukee.
The 943 to 536 vote came after a sustained campaign by union leadership to reverse a rejection of similar concessions last month.
The proposal that won approval includes lower wages for workers hired after the first of the year, as well as a decrease in health insurance, pensions and cost-of-living adjustments for all workers. However, the gap between the two wage tiers is smaller in the deal agreed to Tuesday than in the one rejected in October.
"This was a hugely emotional issue for the membership," Jim Wheiland, president of the union, Local 2-209 of the United Steelworkers, said after the vote was announced at the group's headquarters.
He said it was necessary to make sure production of motorcycle powertrains stays in the Milwaukee area. He said the vote change was accomplished through "dialogue" with the approximately 1,600 members of the local.
The expansion will take place in the Harley plant in Menomonee Falls in about 360,000 square feet of space vacated last year by Briggs & Stratton Corp., Wheiland said.
Labels: SE Wisconsin
