KOHLER, Wis. (AP) -- The Kohler Co. and its striking union have reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year labor contract.
Members of United Auto Workers Local 833 are expected to vote on the pact Wednesday. Union leaders say the agreement includes wage increases and benefits in each year of the contract. Union president Tim Tayloe says the agreement also narrows the gap on a two-tier pay system. He says the health care plans have been modified to reduce the potential for out-of-pocket costs.
Company CEO David Kohler says the agreement recognizes the contributions of the workers in making Kohler more competitive in the future.
Local 833 represents about 2,000 workers at Kohler's kitchen and bath plant in Kohler and at a generator factory north of Sheboygan. The union went on strike Nov. 15.
Here is the press release in its entirety:
KOHLER, Wis. – December 15, 2015 – Kohler Co. and the United Auto Workers Local 833 today jointly announced that they have reached agreement on a new four-year labor contract that resolves a local labor dispute. The agreement features increased wages and benefits in all four years of the agreement. The local union’s bargaining committee unanimously recommends ratification at the vote scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 16. “We worked very hard to reach an agreement that addresses all of the key areas crucial to the future of our members,” said UAW Local 833 President Tim Tayloe. “The agreement significantly brings one tier associate pay closer to the other, while also providing substantial wage increases in each year of the contract. All benefits have been enhanced and the modifications to the healthcare plans have reduced the potential for increased out-of-pocket costs to our membership," Tayloe said. "We are very pleased to have reached an agreement that recognizes the contributions of our associates and positions our local, Wisconsin operations to be more competitive in the future,” said Kohler Co. President and Chief Executive Officer David Kohler. “The common ground that we share is more important than any differences we may have – and this agreement reflects that.” Details of the agreement were not disclosed pending ratification by union members. The union plans to distribute the agreement at its membership meeting on Wednesday Dec. 16. The meeting will be held at Plymouth High School. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with the meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. Associates may park in the south parking lot. Once ratified, associates will return to work on Thursday morning.
