Considering the fact that the workers got screwed on the last contract even though Harley was still making decent profits at the time, I would guess they will really get screwed this time. Such is the current state of labor in this country. When times are good, management and stockholders get most of the rewards. When times are tough, upper management still manages to get rewarded and the workforce takes it in the ear. The lesson to be learned is to make sure you're a member of upper management, not labor and lower management.
Jerry
Right now, labor market is doing very well, better than it has in 14 years or more. The amount of Manufacturing is going way up also, many plants are expanding and hiring. Wages are going up in Manufacturing also. I know every car parts manufacturer and both VW and Nissan are hiring in my area.
That said, Harley is doing the opposite as the rest of manufacturing. Harley sales are way down. Production is way down. They will be lucky to keep their jobs. The blame is not only Harley Managements, but also the board of directors, and investors. They did not plan for the rapid decline in sales due to Boomers dying and also deciding the cost of the product has gone up way to high.
HD needs less employees, and less production space, and reduced output.