Please see below for important information concerning checks issued from the Yellow Bankruptcy Court:

Earlier this year drivers at United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) in Harrisburg voted nearly unanimously to join Teamsters Local 776. The organizing victory in Harrisburg is part of a national worker-led movement to unionize UNFI and follows recent wins in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Washington. UNFI Teamsters are seeking strong representation to address years of worker concerns amid company mismanagement. Drivers in Harrisburg showed courage and put it all on the line to secure this crucial victory. UNFI workers know that the Teamsters are relentless in our fight for a better workplace. Despite challenges, UNFI drivers at the Harrisburg facility were committed to becoming Teamsters since day one. They refused to fall for the company’s union-busting tactics and stood arm-in-arm with Teamsters Local 776 to fight back.

Last month More than 150 drivers at UNFI’s Manchester, PA Distribution Center voted to join Teamsters Local 776. Organizing for fair pay, improved health care, and better working conditions. Since 2022, nearly 2,500 UNFI workers have joined the Teamsters, bringing the total to over 5,000 Teamster members across the company.

“To avoid being left behind, drivers at UNFI’s Manchester Distribution Center knew they had to take a stand and organize,” said Ed Thompson, President of Local 776. “I’m proud to welcome these new members to our Teamsters family. This is part of a nationwide effort to unionize the company, and we’re committed to helping our members secure the first contract they deserve. With this latest vote, all UNFI drivers in Pennsylvania are now Teamsters.”

During the election, there were 136 drivers/jockeys at the York facility, where the organizing drive started. Since moving to a new distribution center located in Manchester, PA there are now approximately 150 drivers/jockeys working there. Local 776 BA Spencer Dearth, who is currently negotiating the first contract for the Harrisburg Members will also be representing the Manchester Members.

Local 776 Organizer Ashley Cerzullo commented: “Management at Manchester UNFI was very anti-Union. Despite their efforts to quash the organizing drive, the group stood their ground & chased after their goal! Getting this group organized was a team effort, not just me doing the organizing. I had a lot of help from Spencer and the other BAs, who took time out of their days; late nights and early mornings, to make this work. In addition, the negotiation committee/stewards from the Harrisburg facility were on hand to support their co-workers.

Local 776 Officers and BAs were on hand supporting the UNFI workers during their organizing campaign.

With the retirement of Local 776 Business Agent Bill Olmeda looming on the horizon there have been adjustments in personnel at Local 776.

Pursuant to the Local 776 by-laws the Local Union Executive Board has issued the following appointments:

Local 776 Trustee Patrick Hollingshead has been appointed to the position of Business Agent. Patrick is a 37-year Member of the Teamsters, the last 27 years serving as a UPS Union Steward. He will be working closely with Bill learning the intricacies of the various public sector contracts Bill handles to ensure a smooth transition when Bill retires.

Patrick Hollingshead

Justin Seitz has been appointed to fill Patrick’s vacant Trustee position. Justin is a UPS package car driver at the Carlisle, Pa building. He started his career with UPS in 2007, working his way through the part-time ranks to becoming a full-time driver. He has been a Union Steward since 2012. Justin serves as a volunteer organizer, and also has participated in several DRIVE recruitment campaigns. Additionally he worked on the UPS contract campaign in 2023 for the IBT, and also serves on the Local 776 “Teamsters Futures” committee with Business Agent Mark Cicak.

Justin Seitz

Recently two Members decided to exchange a time card for a retirement watch! Together these gentlemen have 77 years of Union Membership between them. Here’s a little bit about them:

Charlie Maletestinic: Charlie retired from UPS this past September after 37 years of pushing, pulling, lifting, and lowering packages. Like most long-term UPS Members Charlie started as a part-time employee in the Harrisburg Hub at the age of 19. When Charlie turned 21 he became a package car driver, where he remained for 35 years. During that time Charlie attained 25 years of safe driving behind the wheel of a UPS vehicle.

With retirement Charlie is looking forward to some more time to devote to his two hobbies; archery hunting and fishing.

 Charlie and his wife Cheri, who is also retired, have two boys to keep them busy. In a true act of love and devotion to each other and their family, they will be undertaking a big responsibility. One of their sons has special needs. In a selfless gesture, Charlie and Cheri are renovating their present house to further meet the needs of their son and two additional people with special needs. As a group home facility, they will have care available 24 hours a day. Charlie and Cheri will be close by; they will be building another home two blocks away to stay in touch with their son.

When asked if he had any parting words or advice Charlie replied: “Over 37 years it was an awesome experience. I’m appreciative of the Union and the company; the benefits were great. Looking back I’ve got no regrets and would do it again.”

From everyone at Local 776 congratulations on your retirement Charlie!

Charlie shows off his watch to Local 776 BA Dave Licht (L) and Local 776 Secretary-Treasurer Ron Hicks

John Meyer: John retired from Hershey Medical Center on August 30^th after amassing 40 years of service! John started at the Med Center on June 25, 1984. He worked as a plumber/pipefitter in the trades department and was also a shop steward for many years.  He was originally a member of Teamsters Local 8 for five years. When Local 776 took over the Hershey Medical Center contract in 1999 John became a member of Local 776 where he amassed another 35 years of Union Membership.

His wife is also a Local 776 member; she works in the Housekeeping Dept. They have been married for 45 years and have a daughter and grandchildren who will be looking for more time with John now that he is retired!

From everyone at Local 776 congratulations on your retirement John, 40 years is quite an accomplishment!

Local 776 BA Dave Vrona (L) presents John with his retirement watch.