Harley‑Davidson Layoffs 2026: What’s Happening & Severance Rights in Canada

Harley‑Davidson is eliminating jobs globally as part of a fresh push to restore profitability under the company’s new CEO, Artie Starrs. (Canadian HR Reporter)

The workforce reduction comes as the motorcycle maker grapples with a steep slump in sales and sweeping US tariffs.

Harley‑Davidson hasn’t disclosed the exact number of roles being cut or which regions will be hardest hit. The company currently employs more than 240 people in Canada, according to LinkedIn.

This page explains:

• What’s happening with layoffs at Harley‑Davidson
• Whether a layoff at Harley‑Davidson is permanent
• How much severance Canadian employees in Harley‑Davidson may be owed
• What to do before signing a severance offer

Is a Layoff at Harley‑Davidson Temporary or Permanent?

For non-unionized employees at Harley‑Davidson, a layoff is almost always treated as a termination without cause, even if the following language is used:

• “Restructuring”
• “Reorganization”
• “Transformation”
• “Temporary layoff”

Unless your employment contract explicitly allows for Harley‑Davidson to temporarily lay you off, the company can’t place you on indefinite layoff without terminating your employment — meaning they must provide full severance pay.

Severance Pay for Harley‑Davidson Staff

In Canada, non-unionized employees, including those at Harley‑Davidson, are often owed far more severance pay than what’s outlined in their initial offer.

Severance is based on common law entitlements, not just minimum standards. Factors include:

• Age
• Length of service
• Position and seniority
• Availability of comparable jobs

In many cases, Harley‑Davidson employees in Canada can be owed up to 24 months of compensation.

Severance may include:

• Base salary
• Continued benefits
• Bonus and incentive compensation
• Stock, equity, or RRSP contributions (where applicable)
• Vacation pay
• Other earned compensation

First offers often:

• Cover only minimum entitlements
• Exclude bonuses or incentives
• Impose short signing deadlines
• Undervalue long-service or senior employees

Severance Offers: Common Problems

Canadian employees affected by layoffs frequently report issues such as:

• Severance offers far below legal entitlements
• Missing or unclear compensation breakdowns
• Benefits cut off too early
• Bonuses excluded without justification
• “Temporary layoff” language used improperly
• Pressure to sign within 24–48 hours

Wrongful Dismissal and Harley‑Davidson Layoffs

A wrongful dismissal occurs when major employers, including Harley‑Davidson, fail to provide full severance required under common law.

You may have a claim if:

• Your severance offer is too low
• A termination clause isn’t enforceable
• You were pressured to accept your severance offer on the spot
• Bonuses or benefits were excluded from your severance package
• You were terminated while on medical, parental, or disability leave
• Harley‑Davidson labelled your termination a “temporary layoff” without contractual authority

Large-scale layoffs at Harley‑Davidson don’t reduce their legal obligations in Canada.

Laid Off at Harley‑Davidson? Next Steps

If you’ve been laid off at Harley‑Davidson:

1. Don’t sign your severance offer immediately
2. Gather your employment contract, bonus plans, and benefits information
3. Use the Severance Pay Calculator to double-check your entitlements
4. Keep records of your role, compensation, and length of service
5. Speak with an employment lawyer before agreeing to anything

Harley‑Davidson Layoffs: Frequently Asked Questions

How much severance can Harley‑Davidson employees receive?

Up to 24 months — depending on age, service, and position.

Are Harley‑Davidson layoffs permanent?

For non-unionized employees, yes. A layoff is typically a termination.

Does Harley‑Davidson have to include bonuses in severance?

Often yes — especially if bonuses were a regular part of compensation.

Can Harley‑Davidson terminate employees on leave?

This can raise serious wrongful dismissal and human rights issues.

Can employment lawyers represent unionized staff at Harley‑Davidson?

No. Unionized employees at Harley‑Davidson must go through their union.

Lost Your Job? Get Help Now

If Harley‑Davidson has laid you off, or offered a severance/buyout package, don’t do anything before seeking legal advice.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, one of Canada’s most reviewed employment law firms, has helped more than 50,000 Canadians secure the compensation they’re legally entitled to.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.