"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.

"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."

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.

Union workers say they haven't gotten a raise in five years.

FOX6 News has obtained the following statement from Kohler Company:

"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.