KOHLER, Wis (WSAU-Wheeler News) A judge in Sheboygan has ordered striking workers at the Kohler Company to stop blocking traffic. Circuit Judge James Bolgert issued an injunction yesterday (Tuesday), after the company filed a complaint about a march by 1,200 strikers on Monday. The complaint says it caused two-mile traffic jams. It also alleges that the strikers are harassing people trying to enter the bath-and-kitchen fixtures business, crowding around vehicles and assaulting contracted security officers.
A court hearing is set for next Wednesday on a request by Kohler to order the end of mass picketing and intimidating demonstrations in a strike that’s entering its fourth day. The firm says police are “overwhelmed” by the large numbers of picketers.
United Auto Workers’ local president Tim Tayloe denies that picketers assaulted security officers. He says the strikers should stop blocking street traffic, and not be vocally abusive with those trying to enter the plants.
Tayloe says there are no new contract talks scheduled.
