Harley-Davidson talks to resume

Talks between Harley-Davidson Inc. and the striking workers at its largest plant will resume Wednesday, the union said Monday.

“Unlike earlier meetings, this session will be face to face without mediators present,” said Frank Larkin, a spokesman for the International Assn. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Nearly 2,800 workers at Harley’s plant in York, Pa., walked off the job Feb. 2 after their contract expired. Harley is seeking a number of concessions from the workers.

The scheduled talks will be the first in seven days. A two-day effort last week by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to bring the two sides together ended Feb. 7 without agreement.

“Sitting down at the table is the first step to reaching agreement,” Larkin said. “However, Harley can’t boast about profits all year and then plead poverty the minute they sit down at the bargaining table. This is a highly successful company. It needs to acknowledge the contributions that employees have made to that success.”

A spokesman for Harley did not immediately return a call and e-mail requesting comment.

Shares of Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson rose 47 cents to $68.27.