H-D free to add contract workers this spring

Harley-Davidson Inc. will be free to add non-unionized contract workers to its workforce beginning in April, according to a report from Reuters.

In a federal filing Thursday, Harley reported that it expects to have 325 fewer unionized full-time employees in Wisconsin by April. Under rules of new union agreements, the company can then hire non-unionized contractors to fill in for absent workers or help the company meet seasonal swings.

Harley-Davidson has said that it plans to increase shipments in 2012.