Solidarity Statements For Striking UAW Local 833 Members

TO UAW LOCAL 833
FROM AUTOWORKER CARAVAN

As an organization of rank-and-file autoworkers, we want to salute you for rejecting Kohler Company’s insulting contract offer. Two-tier wages and benefits sap worker solidarity, which is absolutely vital as we work side-by-side.

In the recent contract negotiations with FCA, GM and Ford, it was clear that ending two-tier was the primary issue on the shop floor. Now you have rejected the notion that union members would vote for a $10 an hour difference in pay for 400 second tier workers! We also note the employer tactic of throwing workers the bone of a bonus when there will be higher health care costs.

We encourage you to stand strong in your strike in Sheboygan. We will do our part to spread word of your fight by sending this message to rank-and-file autoworkers and urging united support. Solidarity!

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TO UAW LOCAL 833
FROM AFSCME Local 526

AFSCME Local 526 (Milwaukee Public Museum Employees) stands in solidarity with the 2,000 Kohler workers who are on strike to win higher pay and an end to the two-tier wage system. As trade unionists we believe in the principles of equal pay for equal work, the right to a living wage, and the power of solidarity.

UAW 833 is fighting against a two-tier wage system that betrays future workers and undermines those principles. The strength of UAW 833 is in their unity and determination as evidenced by the fact that 94 percent of the union’s members voted to strike.

Past struggles of Kohler workers, including the longest strike in U.S. history, have inspired the labor movement for generations. The current action by UAW 833 will play an important role in the post “right to work” era in Wisconsin, showing labor unions once again how to bring back the fight and win for working people.

(Passed at AFSCME Local 526 November 17, 2015 membership meeting )

This statement posted to the facebook group: Defeat “Right to Work” in Wisconsin

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KOHLER STRIKE ON LABOR FORUM NOVEMBER 23, 2015

WRFG 89.3FM, wrfg.org at 4:15 pm (EST) (3:15 pm Central time) on Atlanta’s progressive, community radio station.