Harley-Davidson hit by US strike

Harley-Davidson has not seen a strike in 16 years

Motorcycle firm Harley-Davidson has been hit by a strike at its main US assembly plant in a dispute over pay and healthcare provision.

Workers at the factory in Pennsylvania began the walk-out in the early hours of Friday morning, after voting 2,533 to 52 in favour of industrial action.

The staff are objecting to plans to bring in two tiers of pay and to make workers pay towards their healthcare.

Harley-Davidson says it needs to avoid the financial woes of the US car firms.

The walkout is the first strike at the iconic company in 16 years.

Harley-Davidson said on Thursday night that it was immediately suspending production at the facility, which makes its best-selling Touring and Softail models.

Analysts said the company had a track record of good worker relations, and expected the strike to end sooner rather than later.