Kohler strikes facts for kids

The Kohler strikes were important events in the history of workers and businesses in the United States. They happened at the Kohler Company near Sheboygan, Wisconsin. These strikes took place in 1934 and 1954.

Workers often use these strikes as examples of why they need unions. Unions are groups that help workers get fair pay and good working conditions. Business leaders, however, sometimes point to these strikes. They say the strikes show how unions can be too aggressive. They also say unions might not care about what's best for employees.

The 1934 Strike: A Fight for Workers' Rights

How the Kohler Company Started

The Kohler Company began in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, in 1873. John Michael Kohler II took over his father-in-law's factory. The company made plumbing products and enamelware. It grew very successful. In 1912, land around a new factory became the Village of Kohler, Wisconsin.

From 1905, John Michael's son, Walter J. Kohler Sr., led the company. He was a very successful businessman. He even became the Governor of Wisconsin in 1928 for one term.

Workers Seek a Union

In 1933, a new law called the National Industrial Recovery Act was passed. This law gave workers the right to form unions. Walter Kohler, like many business owners, created his own workers' group. He wanted to stop an independent union from forming. This company-controlled group handled small problems. But it never truly negotiated contracts with the company.

In August 1933, Kohler workers decided to form their own union. They got a charter from the American Federation of Labor. This new union was called Federal Labor Union No. 18545.

The Strike Begins

The union tried to meet with Kohler executives several times in late 1933. But nothing was agreed upon. On June 22, 1934, the union gave Kohler management a list of demands. The main demand was for the company to recognize their union.

Four days later, the company suddenly shut down the entire plant. Usually, the plant closed for a few days around the Fourth of July. They also had a picnic for employees. But this shutdown was different. It was indefinite, meaning no one knew when it would reopen. Workers were told they would be called back "as necessary." Walter Kohler wanted to show the workers who was in charge. He refused to negotiate with the union.

Violence Erupts

Soon, violence broke out. The entire Village of Kohler was closed to traffic. The company hired special deputies. These deputies clashed with striking workers. Large crowds gathered.

On July 27, the special deputies attacked with guns and tear gas. They said it was because company property was damaged. Two strikers, Lee Wakefield and Harry Englemann, were killed. Forty-seven other people were hurt.

On July 29, the National Guard arrived. Walter Kohler had asked for their help. He blamed the violence on "outsiders" and people with "communistic affiliations."

Aftermath of the 1934 Strike

In September, the National Labor Relations Board ruled against the Kohler Company. They demanded a secret election at the plant. This election would decide who would represent the workers. The company union won this election.

However, the Kohler Company's victory did not last long. In 1935, the U.S. Supreme Court said the National Industrial Recovery Act was unconstitutional. But Congress quickly passed the Wagner Act. This new law gave organized labor the right to form unions. It also allowed them to bargain with employers without interference. Now, most workers could decide who would represent them. This idea of a "union shop" was a major goal for unions.

Still, the company union and the idea of an "open shop" (where workers don't have to join a union) stayed at Kohler. This continued until 1952. That year, the United Auto Workers (UAW) union finally won an election.

The 1954 Strike: The Longest Strike

A New Leader and a New Strike

During World War II, Herbert V. Kohler Sr. took control of the Kohler Company. He was a very strong-willed man. He had been involved in the 1934 strike. He was strongly against unions.

The United Auto Workers Local 833 was determined to organize Kohler employees. They won an election in 1952. But Herbert V. Kohler refused to agree to the union's demands. So, a strike began on April 5, 1954.

About 2,800 of the company's 3,300 employees joined the picket lines. The factory mostly stopped working for two months. Herbert then started production again using non-union workers.

Years of Conflict

For six years, there was fighting between strikers and workers who crossed the picket lines. The company accused opponents of over a thousand acts of damage. More than 300 people were arrested at one point.

Unions called for people across the country to stop buying Kohler products. This boycott was sometimes successful. The UAW union gave $12 million to the strikers over the years. Herbert Kohler refused to compromise. He even rejected a public plea from his nephew, Governor Walter J. Kohler Jr..

The Strike Ends

In 1960, the National Labor Relations Board ruled against the Kohler Company. They said the company had refused to negotiate fairly after the strike began. Herbert was ordered to give jobs back to 1,700 workers.

It took two more years and many lawsuits for the company and union to agree on a contract. The issue of pay for the strikers was still not settled. Finally, in December 1965, the Kohler Company agreed to pay $3 million in back wages. This went to about 1,400 former employees. They also paid $1.5 million into pension funds. The union agreed not to make any more claims from the strike. This ended the longest major strike in American history.

After Herbert's death, his son Herbert V. Kohler Jr. took over. He had a more positive approach to working with unions. For example, in 2002, a five-year labor contract was signed. However, the long and difficult strikes affected thousands of lives in the Sheboygan-Kohler area for over 30 years.

The 1983 Strike

A third strike happened in 1983. It lasted for 16 days. During this strike, car windows were smashed by protesters. Two union members were hurt when a driver drove through a picket line.

The 2015 Strike

On November 15, 2015, most members of the UAW Union Local 833 rejected a new contract. They voted to strike. The strike began after about 1,800 union members voted. A main reason for the strike was a "two-tiered employee system." This system, started in 2010, meant newer employees were paid less than older ones.