Working at Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson is one of most iconic “American” companies in America. What does work on its shop floor look like?
Donald Trump talks with Harley Davidson executives on the South Lawn of the White House, February 2, 2017 in Washington, D.C.Drew Angerer / Getty
Donald Trump’s trade wars with China and the European Union have proved popular with sections of the US working class. Harley-Davidson, the iconic motorcycle makers, announced they will move more manufacturing jobs out of the US in response to new tariffs on their products, the result of backlash to Trump’s trade maneuvers.
Despite the prospect of losing their jobs, many Harley-Davidson workers support Trump’s policies. Why? Jacobin spoke to a retired Harley-Davidson worker John Hendrickson (not his real name) about the working conditions and political culture of the United States’ “most American” company in a search for answers.
Joe Allen
How long did you work at Harley-Davidson? What type of work did you do there?
John Hendrickson
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