"We're standing up for what we want:" With 94% vote in favor, union workers at Kohler now on strike

SHEBOYGAN -- FOX6 News has confirmed union workers at Kohler Company are on strike, after rejecting the latest contract offer. For the first time in more than 30 years, union workers are headed to the picket lines.

Tim Tayloe, president of United Auto Workers Local 833, said a vote was taken on Sunday morning, November 15th at 10:30 a.m. 94% of union workers voted in favor of a strike.

We're told the two main issues here are the tier wage payment system, and heath care.

It was a big decision made with a heavy heart. Local 833 Vice President Jim Brock was in tears Sunday as he discussed the strike with FOX6:

"We took care of the younger generation. I wanted to leave knowing that the generation below me would have at least what I had or better," Brock said.

At issue is a two-tiered employee system that was established five years ago.

"Tier B is making maybe 65% of what Tier A is making," Alyssa Devoe, Kohler faucet operator - Tier B said.

Tier B workers like Devoe and Kaylin Maas aren't as seasoned as their established colleagues, but argue their wages aren't enough to live on.

"I feel like with Kohler and how much they made this year, that we deserve something," Maas said.

Workers say an increase to health care premiums also pushed them to strike.

Workers will begin gathering at 6:00 a.m. Monday. At 7:00 a.m., 2,000 workers will march from their union hall to Kohler.

"We`re standing up for what we want for once," Devoe said.

FOX6 News has obtained the following statement from Kohler Company:

READ IT: Details of final contract offer to UAW 833 workers from Kohler Company

It's unclear how long this strike could last, but union workers say they're in it for as long as it takes.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.