Montana labor news., 1935-05-23
KOHLER'S PROGRESSED



A glimpse into Kohler's ''humanitar-
ianism," Notwithstanding published as
surances OF the company's fairness to-
ward labor paying unsurpassed wag-
es," etc, show the company an arch
enemy OF labor. A few OF the facts
in connection with the case are given
herewith:
/. Kohler has always been opposed
TO Union Labor. The evidence Of this
opposition was made more clear when
Local Union No. 1885 was organized.
?. Kohler, ever since the formation
OF our Union, tried, through trickery,
Encouragement, intimidation and in
reference, to prevent such o%rganiza-
ton.
g.. Since we organized, Kohler has
left nothing undone to smash our I'm
ion.
A.. When Local No. 1885 continued
to grow, in spite OF Kohler's machina-
tons, Kohler organized a company "un-
ion" to thwart collective bargaining
with a legitimate labor union.
s. Kohler's boast of high wages
is a mere myth. Even the meager earn
ings on piece work basis were mani
pulated by arbitrarily depriving work
ers Of their pay by deducting earnings
for alleged faulty work.
o. Every reply made by Kohler to
various attempts to negotiate more de
cent working conditions and wages was
naughty, inconsiderate( defiant and in
sulting.
Z. Kohler has repeatedly refused to
arbitrate.
s. Kohler has consistently refused to
offer anything other than a Statement
OF policy as a settlement.
9. Kohler premises in the village Of
Kohler are a we'll equipped man-kill-
ing arsenal. Armored trucks and arm
ed guards are maintained to impress a
sympathetic public as well as the strik-
ers with the power Of Kohler.
10. During the strike more than two
score were shot = all Of them in the
back.
II. Two workers gave up their lives
n the battle with Kohler policy"
y. Notwithstanding Kossackian con-
troll OF the community, picketing con-
tinues by courageous, determined I'M
%ionists.
We are inspired by the business of
our cause and by the expression OF en-
enlargement from unions and fellow
%unionists from all over the nation.
We want no one to be mislead by
Kohler's false assurances.
The hostile attitude OF Kohler is set
forth clearly by the statement OF the
then District Attorney Of Sheboygan
County against the claim of Kohler for
damages incurred during the strike,
The claim was disallowed. The Dis
trict Attorney said in part:
Consequently, such damages for
which it claims compensation must only
be considered as having been inflicted
upon itself by persisting in such un-
lawful act, from all Of which it follows
that the claim with reference to direct
injury to property of the company and
its subsidiary, the Kohler improvement
Association, should be d~isallowed on
the basis that there is no liability on
the part Of Sheboygan County
Do not purchase or use Kohler Pro
ducts until Kohler awakens to a sense
OF fairness toward Laborl
The Kohler Company manufactured
bath tubs, sinks, l%avatories, wash bowls
electric lighting plants, heating plants
radiators, pottery ware and plumbing
fittings.
We ask unions and union member.
who have not already done so, to write
THE Kohler Co., Kohler, Wis.," stat
ing that Kohler products shall not be
considered fair until that company
ceases its antagonism toward Fedora
Union No. 18545. We shall appreciate
receiving a copy OF such letters.
FEDERAL LABOR UNION
No. l8545
Charles Heymanns. President
Frank Tuerk, Secretary