"We're all standing united:" Union workers at Kohler Co. say strike will last 'as long as it takes'
SHEBOYGAN COUNTY -- Union workers at Kohler Company say they'll remain on strike "for as long as it takes." They're holding out for a better contract. This marks the first strike at Kohler Co. since 1983.
Workers began picketing before 7:00 a.m. Monday, November 16th. Workers come in shifts to work the picket lines.
Kohler Co. union workers strike
"I'm proud of my union brothers and sisters -- that we`re all standing united," Judy Buechlar, UAW Local 833 member said.
The strike began after union workers voted to reject the final contract offer from Kohler.
"94 percent voted for this," UAW Local 833 President Tim Tayloe said. "That means almost 100 percent of workers in this plant are unhappy."
Kohler Co. union workers strike
Specifically, Tayloe says workers are unhappy with the cost of health insurance and with lower wages for "Tier B" or more recently hired employees.
"It bothered me, but there was nothing I could do at the time -- but now there is," Derrick Yahnke, UAW Local 833 member said.
"If I have a brother standing next to me that`s making less than me and working as hard as I am -- he needs to be paid what I am. And we all need an increase in wages," Buechlar said.
Kohler Co. union workers strike
Union workers say they haven't gotten a raise in five years.
Kohler Co. union workers strike
FOX6 News has obtained the following statement from Kohler Company:
"Kohler Co. is very disappointed that our final offer was not accepted by our associates and is concerned that Union officials may have misrepresented what could be achieved in a strike. A work stoppage like this will unfortunately cost our associates and can negatively influence our desire to grow jobs in this location. It is a fair offer for all that continues to maintain local jobs above the region’s norm, supports continued permanent job growth at our Wisconsin operations now and for future generations, and ensures all associates are financially ahead each year of the contract term. The contract proposal offered wage and benefit increases during each year of the contract, an increase of the pension multiplier for eligible associates, increases across the board in life insurance, short-term and long-term disability and other insurance benefits, and more health care options.
The contract proposal would keep Tier A wage associates in the 86thpercentile of local market wage rates and among the highest paid in the area, while newer Tier B associates would receive an immediate pay increase averaging more than 20 percent. A new lower cost HRA medical plan option, and the opportunity to earn wellness credits and discounts would reduce monthly contributions. If members had voted to accept our offer, Tier A associates would have received a $1,200 bonus and Tier B associates a $1,000 bonus. This could cover the increase in health care premiums in the three years of the agreement.
The company had hoped an agreement would be in place as of today and uninterrupted work would be assured. Kohler Co. will be informing production associates that they are welcome to report to work as normal, and if they do, they will receive their current wage and benefits. The company is prepared to implement plans to ensure that all customer product and service needs are met."
Kohler Co. union workers strike
"We`re sorry for any inconvenience it's caused the community -- but we have to take a stand for what we believe is right for us and our fellow workers," Buechlar said.
Kohler Co. officials say they're prepared to ensure all customer needs are met during this time -- but didn't provide specifics on how that would be done.
Union workers on strike say it is their understanding management is filling in for them.
Kohler Co.