Not to be outdone by drivers competing in various truck driving rodeos, the dockworkers at TForce Freight (Formerly UPS Freight) competed in the first-ever forklift rodeo on Sunday, May 22, 2022, at the Harrisburg terminal. The dockworkers competed in a timed obstacle course weaving in and out of strategically placed cones topped with tennis balls moving forward and reverse. They were scored on placing a stacked skid closest to a cone and a spool's precise placement over a pole. Points were deducted for hitting cones and knocking the tennis balls off. The dockworkers also were judged on their pre-trip inspection skills of a forklift.

Local 776 Business Agent Spencer Dearth was in attendance supporting the members who were competing, and was quoted as saying, "the dockworkers exhibited excellent skills, which are needed to do their job efficiently and safely.”

When the dust cleared and the points tallied, Joseph Rivera took first place, Kevin Wakefield was in second, and Steve Long in third.

The course is ready for the competition to begin.

Steve Long (Right) completing the forklift inspection.

Mike Bollman working the obstacle course.

Kevin Wakefield attempting the spool placement over a pole without knocking the Teamsters golf ball off.

More than 100 drivers at US Foods in Salem Virginia joined Teamsters Local 171 in June 2021. Better wages and benefits are what the Salem U.S. Foods drivers call on their company to deliver. “We want a company to work for that we can be proud of again,” said Kenny Chapman, a relay driver for U.S. Foods Inc. in Salem.

“They came to us and said hey we need help, the company won’t listen to us, can you help us make the company listen? And we said absolutely,” said, Todd Robertson, the president of Teamsters Local Union 171. Robertson said including Friday’s meeting, they have met with U.S. Foods representatives more than a dozen times since December. However, the discussions continue to stall, which might lead to a walk-out. “Honestly if we don’t get a deal done here, the companies have already been put on notice, and the employees will be forced to walk out. It’s unfortunate, but it will happen,” said Robertson.

On May 20, 2022, Teamsters Locals based out of Pennsylvania and North Carolina joined the U.S. Foods drivers in a show of support as they work toward a first Teamster contract.

The drivers are keeping a positive mindset that a deal will get done. Local 776 sent the Local’s truck to Local 171 in Virginia. Along with the Local 776 truck, Local 107 from Philadelphia sent their truck, and Local 391 sent their organizing truck. Representing Local 776 were Executive Board Trustee Patrick Hollingshead, YRC Stewards John Brownawell, and Austin O'Brien.

For more information on the US Foods rally along with additional photos from the event follow the link below to the local 171 website:

Local 171-US Foods Support

L-R: YRC Steward Austin O'Brien, Local 776 Trustee Patrick Hollingshead, YRC Steward John Brownawell

Teamster Proud, Teamster Strong!

By a vote of the membership in attendance at the May 2022 monthly membership meeting the monthly meetings for June, July, and August 2022 have been suspended. The Local Union would like to wish everyone a safe and happy summer. We look forward to seeing you at the Local picnic, the golf outing, and when monthly membership meetings resume in September 2022.