December 19 -- After four months of negotiations, union members vote in favor of Kohler Company's proposed labor contract.
"I think both sides worked very hard on this proposal. I think it recognizes the effort by both sides that went into this. And we're pleased with the outcome today," says Paul Kardish, Kohler Company attorney.
"I am disappointed. maybe not surprised. I know there were many that are simply in a position that they have to support their family," says Dave Boucher, UAW Local 833 spokesperson.
Even with union leaders recommending against voting for the proposal, 62 percent of UAW Local 833 members voted to pass it.
When the final votes came in, union leaders were not happy with the new labor contract their own members had just passed. "What we didn't like about it? Pretty much the whole thing," says Dave Bergene, UAW Local 833 president.
Union and Kohler officials still disagreed on a key point. "I would've preferred a strong rejection as a message to the company to negotiate a fair and livable contract which I don't believe we actually received here," says Boucher.
"The contract needed to address a couple objectives. And that was to make sure our manufacturing operations competitive long term but yet minimize the impact on them. And that's what we believe was accomplished today," says Todd Weber, Kohler Company spokesperson.
The new contract comes with a five-year wage freeze, a flexible workforce, a two-tier wage structure and a $1,000 signing bonus. Union officials say many members agreed the contract was unfair, but couldn't afford to take any chances, especially with the signing incentive.
"Times are tough. Take what you can get. I am working, making a good living. I'd like to keep it that way," says Greg Umnus, union member.
"I've been here 37 years at Kohler and this is the first time Herb wanted to buy our votes so I think he wants this contract pretty bad," says Kenn Hibbard, union member.
While union leaders are disappointed, Kohler officials say they're happy both sides could finally come to an agreement.
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