Improved wages and benefits will help the members of UAW Local 833

United Auto Workers Local 833 President Tim Tayloe joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about the Local’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Kohler Company. Tayloe also spoke about his time with the union and his predictions for what the future holds for Local 833.

The Kohler Co. and Local 833 recently agreed to a new CBA, which gave major wins on quality of life items for the Local’s members. The company came ready to listen and negotiate with Tayloe and his team, creating what Tayloe described as the easiest negotiation of his career. After losing many benefits in 2010 during the recession, Tayloe’s goal was to continue to gain back benefits and quality of life improvements in each contract. This contract was no exception, as the Local earned major wins in wages for newer employees, the removal of tiered pay scales and improvements to the pension plan.

In his nearly 40 years with Kohler, Tayloe has seen and done most of the work in the facility. His career began in the foundry, and he also served as a union steward. He then climbed the ladder over the years and moved through the ranks. Finally, in 2014 he was elected President of Local 833, a position he has held since. In 2015, Tayloe explained how he led the Local through a strike and has since then, has earned victories during the past three contract negotiations. 

Tayloe predicts the future of Local 833 and its 1,681 members will include growth. With Kohler’s success, there is no reason to believe the Local’s membership cannot climb to over 2,000 members. Recent CBA wins in wages and pensions will help the efforts to recruit new members, he said. 

To learn more about the negotiations with Kohler Co. and Local 833, listen to the episode.