KOHLER, WI (WHBL) - It is now day nine of the United Auto Workers Local 833 Strike against the Kohler Company, as a waiting game continues for about 21-hundreds workers regarding a new contract between the two. As has been the case since November 15th, no public word on any progress on a deal that would end the strike.
Those on strike continue to put time on the picket line outside the company’s two plants in Sheboygan County, as they fight for a fair contract with Kohler.
WHBL News has asked several striking workers what it is like to be off the job for a week, and what impact this experience has had on them.
Debra, who was with Kohler when the last strike took place in 1983, says the situation has a different feel compared to over 30 years ago. "Everybody’s on edge, but we’re still going to continue fighting. We’re going to fight until we can’t no more."
Jay says the strike has given him strength. "To know that what I believe I’m doing is going to benefit somebody in the future. What I have as a Tier A employee was fought for me by people that worked here before me, and it’s kind of my job. I mean if my son or my son’s spouse were to get hired under these terms, their chances of being able to afford a house in the near future would be very hard to do, much less provide without having to pick up a part time job."
Judy says the strike has shown her the power that a group can have when they work as one. "Together we are all supporting each other. Anybody who needs anything; on Facebook we’ve been sharing if anybody needs donations, message me, go to the union hall. There’s plenty of stuff that’s been dropped off."
Striking workers say their will continue to make their presence known to the public no matter the weather, nor the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Larry will be one of them, saying he will spend a few hours Thursday morning on the picket line. "I'm going to put the turkey in the oven, and I've got three hours to play around with. A lot of people are going to be out here on Thanksgiving day."