Kohler Co. shows signs of a negotiation: "Everybody would like to go back to work"



SHEBOYGAN -- After weeks on the picket line, it's possible the strike by Kohler Company workers could be nearing its end. Back on November 15th, members of United Auto Workers Local 833 voted to go on strike. Friday, December 4th we're getting news that the two sides have met and plan to do so again next week.

Kohler Co. strike



Kohler Co. workers walked off the job in mid November, and nearly three weeks later, signs and picket lines are still a constant presence.

"Everybody would like to go back to work but it's got to be under the right circumstances so we're out here until we get the right contract offer and then we'll be happy to go back," said Jason Miller, Kohler Co. worker on strike.

The major sticking points in contract talks centered on Kohler Co.'s two-tiered wage system and also on health care.

"Not everybody can go to college and get a corporate job or whatever, you got to have people working factories and if factories aren't going to pay a fair wage to everybody, then what are these guys going to have to look forward to," said Miller.

Workers take shifts manning the picket lines and huddle near fires as the temperatures drop.

Kohler Co. strike



"It's very tough because there's a lot of uncertainty with everybody out here. We're all kind of uncertain and we're hoping for an end to this soon," said David Glander, Kohler Co. worker on strike.

Late this week, signs that an end may be coming. In an email, a Kohler Co. spokesman says:

"We can confirm that Kohler Co. and the UAW bargaining teams met this week to talk about the contract and have plans to meet and talk next week."


A union representative also tells us the two sides talked on Thursday, December 3rd. Some on the picket lines say that is hopeful news.

Kohler Co. strike



"The fact that they're going to start talking is definitely a positive sign so we're real hopeful that that'll come to a resolution and we can get back to business as usual," said Glander.

FOX6 News was unable to find out specifically when the two sides plan to meet again, but we are told that it will be next week.