Union Concessions Keep Harley Davidson in KC, Costs 145 Jobs

Under a new contract negotiated between Harley Davidson and the two unions that represent the employees of its Kansas City manufacturing plant, the motorcycle company will lay off 145 workers but keep the remainder of the jobs in Kansas City.  The company had threatened to shut down the facility and move the jobs to York, Pennsylvania, where a similar deal was signed in 2009.

In addition to cutting 145 jobs, the new contract calls for pay raises and a signing bonus, but also higher employee costs for health care.  The 145 cut positions will remain open as “flexible” or seasonal positions, and employees that take season work will not be eligible for benefits.