UAW Circulates 'Scab' List in Kohler Strike

United Auto Workers Local 833 leaders have begun circulating a list of union members who have crossed picket lines in the now two-week-old Kohler Co. strike, though they insist the individuals will be left alone.

The list, which was obtained by the Sheboygan Press and verified by UAW Local 833 leaders, includes 13 circled names with the heading, “No longer our union brothers or sisters.”

It goes on to state, “A scab is a scab,” and “Don’t be afraid to point them out.”

UAW Local 833 President Tim Tayloe said Tuesday that the list was distributed by union leaders at the request of members, though he said he has been clear with the union’s rank and file to not cause trouble.

“I said, ‘No harm to these people.’ I have to represent everyone fairly,” Tayloe said. “The people in there chose to cross (the picket line)… but nobody said to harm anybody. This is not the 1940s.”

However, as the list began circulating on social media, it was immediately met with insults and at least one call to “slash their tires.”

Tayloe indicated that such actions won’t be tolerated.

“If there’s any damage of property, I will handle that with members if I find out who or what,” Tayloe said. “I don’t condone that.”

Union members who've crossed the picket line say they're troubled by the list but can't afford to remain on strike.

Luis Rodriguez, who returned to his $14.10-per-hour production job on Nov. 25 but was not on the union's list, said his loyalty lies with his family, which includes his two children, two stepchildren and wife, who's pregnant and due in January.

Rodriguez said he simply can't survive on his $200 per week strike pay and food assistance offered by the union.

"I know we deserve more money, and I respect the guys on strike...but I need to support my family," he said.

For more about developments in the Kohler strike...