2015 Kohler strike facts for kids
The 2015 Kohler Strike was a time when workers at the Kohler Company in Kohler, Wisconsin stopped working to ask for better conditions. It was the fourth strike in the company's long history, which goes back 142 years.
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Why the Strike Happened
In 2010, the Kohler Company and a workers' union called United Auto Workers Local 833 made a deal. This agreement covered about 2,300 union workers. The company said it needed to save money because its factories were expensive to run.
The deal included a freeze on wages for five years. This meant workers' pay would not go up. Workers also had to pay more for their health care. A new system was created where newer workers earned less than older workers. The company could also use temporary workers.
Past Strikes at Kohler
The Kohler Company has had strikes before. The first one began in 1934 and lasted seven years. The second strike was in 1954 and lasted six years. The third strike happened in 1983 and lasted several weeks. These past strikes were long and had some difficult moments.
The Strike's Journey
Before the Strike Began
On April 29, 2015, David Kohler became the new president and CEO of the Kohler Company. He took over leadership of the family business from his grandfather, Herbert Kohler, Jr. Herbert Kohler, Jr., who was 76, continued as the company chairman.
By November 11, 2015, the company and the United Auto Workers union were still talking. But they were not close to an agreement, according to Tim Tayloe, the union president.
On November 13, workers held a peaceful gathering outside The American Club. This hotel is owned by the Kohler Company. They did this to share information about a possible strike.
On November 14, the Kohler Company shared its "last, best and final offer" to the union.
The Strike Starts
On the morning of November 15, 2015, about 1,800 union members met. They voted on the company's offer. A large majority, 94 percent, voted against it. They also voted to approve a strike.
On November 16, the second day of the strike, workers marched to the Kohler Company Headquarters. The closed entrances caused traffic problems for people going to work. About 150 union employees blocked the main entrance. This stopped non-union employees from entering.
On November 17, a judge issued a temporary order. This order stopped picketers from blocking traffic near Kohler Company property. It also prevented them from taking over company driveways.
During the first week, the Village of Kohler asked for help. The local Sheriff's Office and Police Department helped with traffic control.
On November 21, the seventh day of the strike, union members held a large gathering. This was to support the striking workers. It happened while the company's American Club was hosting a popular market. The street in front of the club was closed during the gathering.
How the Strike Ended
After 32 days, the strike came to an end. The union and Kohler Company reached a new deal. About 91% of the union members voted to approve it.
This new deal gave wage increases to workers. It also helped to make the pay difference between new and older workers smaller. Pension benefits, which are retirement savings, were made better. Also, increases in health care costs for workers were kept as low as possible.
