Post by Crossbones Dennis on Sept 25, 2010 5:36:14 GMT -6
The state of Wisconsin is giving Harley-Davidson, Inc., a $25 million tax break for winning concessions from labor unions and keeping the Motor Co.’s Tomahawk and Monemonee Falls plants open.
Unions representing steelworkers and machinists at the two plants voted last week to approve a seven-year contract that will freeze wages, result in the loss of 200 to 350 permanent jobs and allow the company to hire seasonal, “casual workers” during peak periods. Those workers will be paid about half what full time workers make, and without benefits.
The Wisconsin Department of Commerce is providing Harley-Davidson with a $25 million Enterprise Zone tax credit over nine years, in the form of a performance-based incentive linked to jobs and capital investment at the company and purchases from their in-state suppliers.
Gov. Jim Doyle and H-D president and CEO Keith Wandell issued a joint statement to announce the tax deal.
“Together with our employees we are making the changes necessary for us to compete and win in a global marketplace,” Wandell said. “We have worked closely with the state of Wisconsin and we appreciate their efforts to foster a competitive business environment that will help us succeed here long term. As we look to the future, we are confident that Harley-Davidson will be as great going forward as it has been in the past.”
Doyle focused on the jobs that will remain in Wisconsin.
“Through hard work and cooperation Harley-Davidson will keep its production operations open in Wisconsin, and keep hundreds of jobs in this state – both at Harley and their suppliers,” Doyle said. “This has been a challenging time for Harley and its great employees, and I want to thank everyone who came together in difficult circumstances to ensure this iconic Wisconsin company stays in Wisconsin.”
“The state has worked closely with Harley-Davidson to bring about a good outcome in this tough situation. I personally spoke with Harley’s CEO, and the state has offered a strong $25 million incentive package to help the company stay in Wisconsin. The incentive package created by the state consists of tax credits primarily linked to jobs at Harley, and with their Wisconsin suppliers.”
Posted by Holly Wagner
Unions representing steelworkers and machinists at the two plants voted last week to approve a seven-year contract that will freeze wages, result in the loss of 200 to 350 permanent jobs and allow the company to hire seasonal, “casual workers” during peak periods. Those workers will be paid about half what full time workers make, and without benefits.
The Wisconsin Department of Commerce is providing Harley-Davidson with a $25 million Enterprise Zone tax credit over nine years, in the form of a performance-based incentive linked to jobs and capital investment at the company and purchases from their in-state suppliers.
Gov. Jim Doyle and H-D president and CEO Keith Wandell issued a joint statement to announce the tax deal.
“Together with our employees we are making the changes necessary for us to compete and win in a global marketplace,” Wandell said. “We have worked closely with the state of Wisconsin and we appreciate their efforts to foster a competitive business environment that will help us succeed here long term. As we look to the future, we are confident that Harley-Davidson will be as great going forward as it has been in the past.”
Doyle focused on the jobs that will remain in Wisconsin.
“Through hard work and cooperation Harley-Davidson will keep its production operations open in Wisconsin, and keep hundreds of jobs in this state – both at Harley and their suppliers,” Doyle said. “This has been a challenging time for Harley and its great employees, and I want to thank everyone who came together in difficult circumstances to ensure this iconic Wisconsin company stays in Wisconsin.”
“The state has worked closely with Harley-Davidson to bring about a good outcome in this tough situation. I personally spoke with Harley’s CEO, and the state has offered a strong $25 million incentive package to help the company stay in Wisconsin. The incentive package created by the state consists of tax credits primarily linked to jobs at Harley, and with their Wisconsin suppliers.”
Posted by Holly Wagner