Bobcat
Founding Member
AMF, the evo came out in 82 or 83 and they stopped putting so much imported crap into the M/C. the Japanese use the harley turnaround as a perfect example of kaizan.
Headlines
Mercury Marine To Close And Move All Production From Fond du Lac, Wisconsin......
- Thread starter MacGyver
- Start date
AMF, the evo came out in 82 or 83 and they stopped putting so much imported crap into the M/C. the Japanese use the harley turnaround as a perfect example of kaizan.
Ratickle
Founding Member / Super Moderator
The biggest thing that turned Harley around was the taafifs on the import bikes of 750cc or more effectively not allowing them to compete. Without that, Harley would not exist today.
Ratickle
Founding Member / Super Moderator
For those who wish to know, in 1984 the US government imposed a high import tariff of 30% on Japanese motorcycles larger than somewhere around 750cc. Harley-Davidson claimed that the Japanese were "dumping" their motorcycles in the USA and went to the government demanding protection and got it.
In 1982, 80% of all motorcycles sold in the US of 1000cc or more were imports. The tariff cut that by over half.
In 1982, 80% of all motorcycles sold in the US of 1000cc or more were imports. The tariff cut that by over half.
Geronimo36
Charter Member
In my opinion the changes in our workforce over the past decade or two are due to competition, greed and outsourcing....
If I only had one of the above bolded, I'd be a happier man... Real world is that today these things either don't exist in companies or they are giving less and less.....
The only silver lining is now that so much is being outsourced, countries like India have prospered and their standard of living has increased and their services have become more expensive (check out "Slumdog Millinaire" as an example)... So then competition started to move things to China, Pakistan and several other unamed countries, who are also growing...
Long-term I think things might start to balance out but it will be at the expense of the USA.
Ratickle
Founding Member / Super Moderator
Long-term I think things might start to balance out but it will be at the expense of the USA.
Yep, gotta run out of poverty stricken people worldwide before we will grow again with our current import laws.
It was an inevitable part of the Industrial Revolution. Always the end game.
We were fortunate enough to have the natural resources, natural transportation conduits and ability to innovate and capitalize on opportunity. But we were BS'ing ourselves that we had a lock on those attributes. WW I jump strted the whole thing and WW II really kicked it into overdrive. In the span of 50 years, we went from an second-level agrarian economy into the world's manufacturing powerhouse. And all along we convinced ourselves we were special and that we were entitled to what we had. While we spend the 60's and 70's wallowing in the excess and self-indulgence, the rest of the world clamored after our good fortune. Between the other nations nipping at our heels and the Arab nations recognizing they were fueling our economic engine on the cheap, we truly were that lumbering oaf ripe to be tripped by anyone that wanted it more than us. so now we've spent the last 30 years competing in an ever-increasing global marketplace and we CONTINUE to be surprised when someone else can produce things for less. How many more decades will it take before the average person comes to the realization that other peole can do alot of what we can? We innovate. We do that well- better than virtually everyone else. But lots of other people can do manual and semi-skilled labor functions. Paul really hit the nail on the head- future generations are going to have to compete with every person in every industrialized economy in the free world. China is a good example- they no longer enjoy the competitive advantages they once did. and work they once had a lock on is going elsewhere.
The world economy is going to change and evolve. And people thinking about jobs and incomes they're "entitled" to are just kidding themselves.
We were fortunate enough to have the natural resources, natural transportation conduits and ability to innovate and capitalize on opportunity. But we were BS'ing ourselves that we had a lock on those attributes. WW I jump strted the whole thing and WW II really kicked it into overdrive. In the span of 50 years, we went from an second-level agrarian economy into the world's manufacturing powerhouse. And all along we convinced ourselves we were special and that we were entitled to what we had. While we spend the 60's and 70's wallowing in the excess and self-indulgence, the rest of the world clamored after our good fortune. Between the other nations nipping at our heels and the Arab nations recognizing they were fueling our economic engine on the cheap, we truly were that lumbering oaf ripe to be tripped by anyone that wanted it more than us. so now we've spent the last 30 years competing in an ever-increasing global marketplace and we CONTINUE to be surprised when someone else can produce things for less. How many more decades will it take before the average person comes to the realization that other peole can do alot of what we can? We innovate. We do that well- better than virtually everyone else. But lots of other people can do manual and semi-skilled labor functions. Paul really hit the nail on the head- future generations are going to have to compete with every person in every industrialized economy in the free world. China is a good example- they no longer enjoy the competitive advantages they once did. and work they once had a lock on is going elsewhere.
The world economy is going to change and evolve. And people thinking about jobs and incomes they're "entitled" to are just kidding themselves.
JupiterSunsation
New member
Have a friend in the stereo business over 25 years. He is a wholesaler of equipment (to other installers) and has an install division. Autonation was a 500K a year client (TV's in headrests, alarms, etc). That business has dried up 95%. Wholesale has dried up significantly since no one is busy right now. He had 5 longtime employees(over 10 years, which in the stereo business is forever!). He said there were days they had very little to do, would they offer to mow the grass (small 10 X 20 swale, 5 minute job), wash the trucks, clean the shop? Nope........wasn't their job, they were installers not laborers. He made payroll through Christmas and told them adios, good luck.
Needless to say they had no jobs lined up, nothing available in the industry. My buddy kept the newest employee (most up to date on training, most eager to work and coincidentally the lowest paid). The kid is great, got a pair of TV's installed in my wife's Yukon in less than 90 minutes. The former employees were famous for stretching jobs out for double that so they could look busy/ make it seem harder than it really was......
..another year older and deeper in debt.
Geronimo36
Charter Member
Latest news...sounds like some back-peddling going on now.... If I were Mercury I would put even more pressure on them now...
Mercury post-vote update: Union asks to meet Mercury president
By IBI Magazine
Following yesterday's union vote in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin rejecting a proposed contract change from Mercury Marine, the governor of Wisconsin and local business leaders have called on the union and company to resume talks until a Saturday deadline. Union leaders, saying its members rejected Mercury's "suicide offer", have asked to meet Mercury's president tomorrow.
Mercury spokesman Steve Fleming said that he is not sure what the union officials want to discuss, but said the union has the opportunity to vote again on the proposed contract changes until the August 29 deadline set by the company.
Following the vote, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle said he would like for talks to continue. "Mercury Marine is offering a remarkable opportunity to consolidate hundreds of jobs here in Wisconsin," Doyle said in a statement. "I still believe that this opportunity exists and as long as it does, I will fight for it. But I cannot do it alone."
Joe Reitemeier, president and CEO of the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce, told the Fond du Lac Reporter he wanted to see a reconvening of negotiations or a second vote before Saturday.
But Allen Buechel, an executive with the county government, said local officials won't be able to do anything about the manufacturing jobs. He said they should focus on making sure Mercury Marine does not move 900 other jobs at its corporate headquarters.
The Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corp said the loss of the manufacturing plant would mean an annual loss of US$353m in workers earnings and an additional 5,900 in lost jobs due to the impact on suppliers, government and business in the area. Mercury said in a statement yesterday it would soon communicate a plan to wind down manufacturing operations in Fond du Lac in the next 24 to 36 months.
The union issued a strident press release after the vote, calling the renegotiated contract a "suicide offer". The statement said the new agreement would "eliminate pensions, jobs and health care for thousands of Wisconsin workers and their families".
"Mercury Marine never intended for this offer to be accepted," said IAM Midwest Territory vice president Philip Gruber in the statement. "Despite progress on every major issue and a commitment by the IAM to continue bargaining, the company balked in the final hours and added terms and conditions that assured members would reject the offer."
The union said that Mercury refused to commit in writing that a "yes" vote would preserve jobs. That, said the statement, left "many employees convinced the company fully intended to move production out of Fond du Lac, regardless of the vote outcome".
Fleming said that Mercury communicated clearly to the union members why it wanted to change the contract. "We weren't trying to take advantage of them in a down economy," he said. "This was created by a number of economic facts."
(24 August 2009)
Mercury post-vote update: Union asks to meet Mercury president
By IBI Magazine
Following yesterday's union vote in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin rejecting a proposed contract change from Mercury Marine, the governor of Wisconsin and local business leaders have called on the union and company to resume talks until a Saturday deadline. Union leaders, saying its members rejected Mercury's "suicide offer", have asked to meet Mercury's president tomorrow.
Mercury spokesman Steve Fleming said that he is not sure what the union officials want to discuss, but said the union has the opportunity to vote again on the proposed contract changes until the August 29 deadline set by the company.
Following the vote, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle said he would like for talks to continue. "Mercury Marine is offering a remarkable opportunity to consolidate hundreds of jobs here in Wisconsin," Doyle said in a statement. "I still believe that this opportunity exists and as long as it does, I will fight for it. But I cannot do it alone."
Joe Reitemeier, president and CEO of the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce, told the Fond du Lac Reporter he wanted to see a reconvening of negotiations or a second vote before Saturday.
But Allen Buechel, an executive with the county government, said local officials won't be able to do anything about the manufacturing jobs. He said they should focus on making sure Mercury Marine does not move 900 other jobs at its corporate headquarters.
The Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corp said the loss of the manufacturing plant would mean an annual loss of US$353m in workers earnings and an additional 5,900 in lost jobs due to the impact on suppliers, government and business in the area. Mercury said in a statement yesterday it would soon communicate a plan to wind down manufacturing operations in Fond du Lac in the next 24 to 36 months.
The union issued a strident press release after the vote, calling the renegotiated contract a "suicide offer". The statement said the new agreement would "eliminate pensions, jobs and health care for thousands of Wisconsin workers and their families".
"Mercury Marine never intended for this offer to be accepted," said IAM Midwest Territory vice president Philip Gruber in the statement. "Despite progress on every major issue and a commitment by the IAM to continue bargaining, the company balked in the final hours and added terms and conditions that assured members would reject the offer."
The union said that Mercury refused to commit in writing that a "yes" vote would preserve jobs. That, said the statement, left "many employees convinced the company fully intended to move production out of Fond du Lac, regardless of the vote outcome".
Fleming said that Mercury communicated clearly to the union members why it wanted to change the contract. "We weren't trying to take advantage of them in a down economy," he said. "This was created by a number of economic facts."
(24 August 2009)
Steve 1
Contributor
After WW11 when every factory on earth was ankle high, We were the only game in town but through massive US Government Waste, giveaways and the rebuilding of whole countries: example we taught the Japanese to build cars gave them the Transistor and a new Steel business. Our weak-kneed imbecilic politicians caused this mess we are in today. Fix it how? Tiny Hitech industrial parks LMAO Vs the huge manufacturing core we once had!
MarylandMark
Charter Member
I'm having some bumper stickers made up right now:
"KEEP BUYING CHINESE IF YOU WANT TO LIVE LIKE THEM"
I'm waiting for the printer to get back to me- couple of time zones away so may not be until tomorrow. He said school started so most of the kids will be working the 3rd shift and he has to beat them in to working a little faster but thinks he can make the deadline.
"KEEP BUYING CHINESE IF YOU WANT TO LIVE LIKE THEM"
I'm waiting for the printer to get back to me- couple of time zones away so may not be until tomorrow. He said school started so most of the kids will be working the 3rd shift and he has to beat them in to working a little faster but thinks he can make the deadline.
Ratickle
Founding Member / Super Moderator
He's in China???????:rofl: :sifone: :rofl:
03darkshadow
New member
good move wayne, whose union guys are nuts.
the gov't has union contractors too. they get more money then us non-union and do a whole lot less. they do a specific job and it takes 15 of them to do what we can do with 4 people. its a shame the gov't lets this happen, but you'd all be amazed at what the gov't wastes money on and does and doesnt do for their employees.
the gov't has union contractors too. they get more money then us non-union and do a whole lot less. they do a specific job and it takes 15 of them to do what we can do with 4 people. its a shame the gov't lets this happen, but you'd all be amazed at what the gov't wastes money on and does and doesnt do for their employees.
MarylandMark
Charter Member
LOL- yea- ironic humor attempt.
Scarab KV
New member
Gotta take care of the campaign contributors
Scarab KV
New member
Latest news...sounds like some back-peddling going on now.... If I were Mercury I would put even more pressure on them now...
Mercury post-vote update: Union asks to meet Mercury president
By IBI Magazine
Following yesterday's union vote in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin rejecting a proposed contract change from Mercury Marine, the governor of Wisconsin and local business leaders have called on the union and company to resume talks until a Saturday deadline. Union leaders, saying its members rejected Mercury's "suicide offer", have asked to meet Mercury's president tomorrow.
Mercury spokesman Steve Fleming said that he is not sure what the union officials want to discuss, but said the union has the opportunity to vote again on the proposed contract changes until the August 29 deadline set by the company.
Following the vote, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle said he would like for talks to continue. "Mercury Marine is offering a remarkable opportunity to consolidate hundreds of jobs here in Wisconsin," Doyle said in a statement. "I still believe that this opportunity exists and as long as it does, I will fight for it. But I cannot do it alone."
Joe Reitemeier, president and CEO of the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce, told the Fond du Lac Reporter he wanted to see a reconvening of negotiations or a second vote before Saturday.
But Allen Buechel, an executive with the county government, said local officials won't be able to do anything about the manufacturing jobs. He said they should focus on making sure Mercury Marine does not move 900 other jobs at its corporate headquarters.
The Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corp said the loss of the manufacturing plant would mean an annual loss of US$353m in workers earnings and an additional 5,900 in lost jobs due to the impact on suppliers, government and business in the area. Mercury said in a statement yesterday it would soon communicate a plan to wind down manufacturing operations in Fond du Lac in the next 24 to 36 months.
The union issued a strident press release after the vote, calling the renegotiated contract a "suicide offer". The statement said the new agreement would "eliminate pensions, jobs and health care for thousands of Wisconsin workers and their families".
"Mercury Marine never intended for this offer to be accepted," said IAM Midwest Territory vice president Philip Gruber in the statement. "Despite progress on every major issue and a commitment by the IAM to continue bargaining, the company balked in the final hours and added terms and conditions that assured members would reject the offer."
The union said that Mercury refused to commit in writing that a "yes" vote would preserve jobs. That, said the statement, left "many employees convinced the company fully intended to move production out of Fond du Lac, regardless of the vote outcome".
Fleming said that Mercury communicated clearly to the union members why it wanted to change the contract. "We weren't trying to take advantage of them in a down economy," he said. "This was created by a number of economic facts."
(24 August 2009)
:huh: Now all of a sudden Doyle wants to get involved now. He's already done enough to phuck up Wisconsin:cuss:
Similar threads
