"Everybody knows who they are:" Kohler strikers returning to work placed on 'scab list'

Kohler strikers returning to work placed on ‘scab list’

Kohler strikers returning to work placed on 'scab list'

SHEBOYGAN -- Kohler Co. workers walked off the job nearly a month ago. The vast majority are holding strong, but some have crossed the picket lines and headed back to work on Friday, December 11th.

Kohler Co. strike

Those on the picket lines say about 1% of striking workers have returned to Kohler. And those who have are finding themselves prominently listed on social media.

Nearly a month has passed since workers walked off the job. The main sticking points in contract talks center around Kohler's two-tiered wage system and health care costs.

"Morale has been holding up pretty well overall, I mean obviously everybody wants to get back to work," said Brett Hubbartt, Kohler Co. worker on strike.

Kohler Co. strike

Some strikers have already returned and it's not hard to find out who. A worker emailed us a copy of a poster which lists those who have crossed the picket lines.

FOX6 News also found it on the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 833 Facebook page along with a post that reads, "Updated scab list. Although it is unfortunate that we are up to 23, this is a very small percentage. Every one of us picketing has families and there is help for those who need it. There is no reason to cross that line. Stop at the hall before you even consider being a scab. There are other options available."

 

"I don't see nothing intimidating about it. No? I don't. Just people that made the wrong decision in my opinion," said Hubbartt.

Those we spoke with say in general, the remaining strikers aren't happy about the decision some have made to return to work, though they also understand there must have been reasons for why their colleagues made that choice. They also point out that the returners are a tiny percentage of the overall group.

Kohler Co. strike

'That's less than 1% of the workforce," said Jim Gardapee, Kohler Co. worker on strike.

But those that have returned to work are well known to those who are still manning the picket lines.

"They get pointed out if they're driving out and they get pointed out and they get their pictures taken and everybody knows who they are," said Gardapee.

FOX6 News reached out to the union hall in hopes of talking with a union leader about the strike. We were told they were not available to speak with the media today.