According to new data published by the Economic Policy Institute, labor unions' popularity has surged over the past decade, while American sentiment toward big business has fallen. Up until 2012, sentiment moved together, but things changed in the recovery from the Global Financial Crisis. After the pandemic, public support for labor unions and workers increased even more. Americans are more likely to support unions than big companies by the widest margin in 60 years.

This effect directly affects Local 776’s growth. We have been organizing in traditional and new industries. Recent additions to the Membership include United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), Cannabis workers at Rise GTI dispensary, and York City property and maintenance inspectors. Presently, there are active organizing campaigns in warehousing and nursing.

In light of the expanding Membership, the Local Union Executive Board has made the following appointments:

Chalmer Edgin II was appointed to the position of Business Agent. Before assuming the BA position, Chalmer served as Local 776 Vice-President. Chalmer is a 34-year Teamster Member employed by ABF Freight System as a road driver. Chalmer was elected as a local 776 Steward for road drivers in 2015. In 2023, he was selected to represent the rank-and-file Members at the ABF Freight Contract negotiations for the ABF National Agreement and the Central Pa Local Supplement. He has been one of the drivers of the Local 776 truck several times for the support of other Locals and disaster relief.

Garry Teter, Jr., was appointed to the position of Teamsters Local 776 Vice-President. Garry is a second-generation Teamster; his father is a Local 776 Member who worked at UPS. Garry started his Teamster journey in 1988 and has been employed by ABF Freight System for the past 22 years, where he was a city driver and is now a road driver. He has been a Local 776 Steward for the past thirteen years. Garry also drives the Local’s truck when called upon in support of other locals and disaster relief. While driving on the road, Garry has amassed an incredible two million miles of safe driving!

Joshua Todd was appointed to the position of Teamsters Local 776 Project Organizer. Before his appointment, Josh worked at TForce Freight (formerly UPS Freight) for 5.5 years. While at TForce, Josh served as a Local 776 Union Steward for five years. With the upswing in Union interest, Josh will be working with Local 776 Organizer Ashley Cerzullo to ensure that any employer groups looking to organize are given the utmost attention.

Congratulations on your appointments, Gentlemen! With your help, Local 776 will continue to serve the Membership to the best of its abilities!