Kohler, WI – As of last week, Kohler Company and United Auto Workers Local 833 went back to the bargaining table for negotiations amidst a strike now entering its fourth week.

The negotiations come as company production at its facilities remain largely closed, with the overwhelming majority of members continuing the stand on their picket lines.

Support for the Kohler workers has come in from across the Midwest and the country, with food drives and donations coming in from across Wisconsin, including Madison, Milwaukee and Racine. The Wisconsin AFL-CIO has publicized a toy drive for striking workers, which hopes to help those families through the holiday season. The AFL-CIO also has called for supporters to join the picket line on Saturday, Dec. 19, ahead of Christmas weekend.

Resolutions from other unions were passed and financial donations have been sent to the strike fund, including $500 from Teamsters Local 344, $750 from the annual People's Thanksgiving event in Chicago, and $5000 from the United Council Staff Union of Illinois in the past week alone.

#KohlerWI #PeoplesStruggles #Wisconsin #KohlerStrike

Kohler, WI – Members of UAW Local 833 are picketing the sprawling Kohler plant here, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in a nearly month-long strike against a two-tier wage system that would condemn newer, ‘Tier B’ workers to poverty wages.

The strike, which began Nov. 15 and involves about 2000 workers, is attracting widespread support in labor movement. Members of many unions are joining Kohler workers on the picket lines, passing resolutions of support and sending financial contributions to the strike fund.

#KohlerWI #PeoplesStruggles #Wisconsin #strikes #KohlerStrike

Kohler, WI – On Dec. 5, a car caravan of students from the Milwaukee-based Youth Empowered in the Struggle (YES), along with community members, traveled to Kohler to support the workers and their fight for a fair and livable contract.

2100 Kohler workers voted, and on Nov. 16 they began the open-ended strike to fight for a decent contract. Their main demand is an end the two-tier system of pay. Many of the workers on the picket line have experienced strikes at Kohler before, as the workers have historically fought back against corporate greed.

“It's great to see the many workers fight back for the rights of their fellow coworkers, their spirit is strong, they will win,” said Gerardo Alvarado, a community member who traveled from Milwaukee to Kohler to join and support.

Communication will continue this upcoming week between the union and Kohler. Supporters from across the state and country will continue traveling to Kohler to show support until a decent contract is reached.

#KohlerWI #PeoplesStruggles #Wisconsin #KohlerStrike

Kohler, WI – Picket lines are strong here, Nov. 27, as about 2000 striking members of UAW 833 press their demand to end a two-tier wage system. The strike began Nov. 15 and is garnering widespread support in the labor movement. Workers from Madison, Milwaukee, Racine and Chicago have come to Kohler to back the strikers.

#KohlerWI #KohlerStrike #UAW833

Kohler, WI – Thousands from around the state joined the Kohler picket line this weekend, Nov. 21-22, ending the first week of a strike by 2100 Kohler employees.

Teamsters, ATU, AFSCME and many workers and supporters joined the picket and pledged support.

“Fair and equal for everybody, then we'll go back there and make their product,” UAW 833 President Tim Tayloe told a crowd that began chanting back, “Fair and equal for everybody!”

Kohler workers are fighting a two-tier wage proposal that will leave future generations with less than half the pay and benefits, among other issues.

#KohlerWI #Teamsters #strike #Strikes #WI

Kohler, WI – Sheboygan County Circuit Judge James Bolgert approved a temporary injunction against striking UAW 833 members ordering them not to disrupt traffic around the Kohler Company property. UAW members have now entered the third day in their strike, over a two-tier wage system and a rising contributions to health care.

“We fully support the striking workers of UAW Local 833,” said Kas Schwerdtfeger, a UPS driver and rank-and-file member of Teamsters Local 344. “They are an inspiration to all workers in Wisconsin and we stand with them in solidarity in their fight for a fair contract.”

Koehler Co. filed for the temporary injunction, restricting picketers from disrupting traffic, in and around the facility, preventing vehicles going into the facility and occupying any property on the Kohler Co. property, including driveways. Another injunction barring mass picketing is set to be heard next week on Wednesday, Nov, 25.

The injunction comes after more than 1000 members and supporters marched about two miles from the UAW hall to the company the evening of Nov. 16. UAW members have formed an energetic 24-hour picket line outside the Kohler Co. facility they plan to continue until they win a decent contract. Picketers also stopped any vehicle attempting to get into the property to ensure no union members were going into work.

Koehler is trying to use the legal weapon of injunctions to kill the strike. This tactic is a favorite for companies that use these sets of legal maneuvers designed to disrupt and eliminate worker solidarity, strikes, pickets and other vehicles for organized labor. If the company had its way, all strikes would be illegal, taking away the voice of workers demanding decent wages, benefits and safe working conditions.

The striking workers of Koehler represent a new battleground for Wisconsin, as they are going into what will be their first 'Right to Work' contract.

“This strike is not just for us, it is also for the community. There will be a trickle effect if we all end up making $12 or $13 an hour. I want the kids and the grandkids of the area to have something to look forward to,” says Barbara Turner, a skilled trades worker on strike with UAW 833. “We're not looking for the world, we are just looking for a fair contract. That is all we are looking for.”

#KohlerWI #AutoUnitedAutoWorkers #UAW #KohlerStrike

Kohler, WI – Over 1000 Kohler workers and supporters kicked off their first full day on strike, Nov. 16, marching around the company facility and reportedly delaying non-union employees. The last strike at Kohler was more than 30 years ago.

On Nov. 15 Kohler workers, represented by UAW 833, voted 94% to strike this company of 2100 UAW members. They want an end to a two-tier system, raises, and good health care.

“We took cuts during the economic crisis, and now that they've made billions more, they are trying to take more from us,” commented one picketer.

Kohler, a company that manufactures goods from pipes to engines, is located in the town of Kohler, a former company-owned town, population 2100. The Herbert J. Kohler family net worth is $7.2 billion dollars, according to Forbes magazine.

Pickets are taking place around the clock and donations can be brought or sent to 5425 Superior Avenue, Sheboygan, WI 53083.

#KohlerWI #strike #UAW #Strikes #UAWLocal833