"These United colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent States." Continental Congress Resolution July 2, 1776.

Happy Birthday, America!

On behalf of the Officers, Business Agents, and Staff of Local 776, I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July. America is the greatest country on earth; we enjoy freedoms, liberties, and rights unmatched in the world. The Fourth of July officially marks the beginning of summer. Many of us will celebrate with family and friends at the beach, in our backyards, or at community fireworks displays. No matter how you plan to spend the July 4^th Holiday, please join me in wishing our great Nation a Happy Birthday!

Fraternally,

Ed Thompson,

President, Teamsters Local 776

"Where liberty dwells, there is my country."- Benjamin Franklin

Oh, but ain't that America for you and me?
Ain't that America somethin' to see, baby?
Ain't that America, home of the free!

John Cougar

Harrisburg, PA skyline

Recently, four Members retired from their respective employers. This group is a testament to good-paying, good-benefit Teamster jobs. Combined, these individuals have over 160 years of Teamsters Membership! Local 776 Secretary-Treasurer Ron Hicks has been busy handing out the hardware to the following Members:

Sean Ferguson: Sean retired May 1^st from UPS after 40 years of service. Like most long-term UPS employees, Sean started with UPS as a part-time employee unloading trailers. When a full-time position became available, he moved to the sort aisle, then became an air driver, finally gaining a spot as a package car driver. Now that he’s retired, Sean has time to devote to some of his interests beyond his work. He plans to spend more time freshwater fishing in the area, riding motorcycles, and doing some four-wheeling. Sean is easing into retirement slowly, adjusting to having his time, eventually traveling and seeing the world. Sean commented: “I love all the guys I worked with, I made a lot of friends in those 40 years, I’m going to miss them!”

Secretary-Treasurer Ron Hicks congratulates Sean on his retirement.

Terry Newman: Terry retired from Amsted Rail on June 24^th after 39 years with the company. Terry began his tenure with Amsted Rail as a tooling attendant and then spent the next 27 years as a CNC machine operator. He served as a Local 776 Union Steward for a time and has always strived to be a good Teamster.

Now that he’s retired, Terry plans to pick up his golf clubs again and get back out on the golf course. He also plans to give bowling a try. Terry and his wife Deborah have been married for 28 years. They both enjoy visiting Atlantic City, NJ, and have been known to frequent the Penn National Race Course.

Terry had been off work on disability before retirement. He was sad that he didn’t get to say goodbye to everyone at Amsted, so in a way, this is his goodbye to all the friends he made while working there.

Terry gets a watch and a handshake from S/T Ron Hicks

Steve Ney: Steve retired March 1^st from a road driver position at ABF Freight after 40 years. In his career, Steve has accumulated over three million miles behind the wheel, along with more than 30 years of safe driving.. Steve and his wife, Denise, have been married for 45 years and have two sons, Kyle and Kip.

Now that retirement is providing more free time at home, Steve can devote more time to hunting and fishing, as well as working in the vegetable garden. Also, there will be more time for him and Denise to vacation at the beach, one of their favorite pastimes.

Steve added, “I’d recommend a Teamster job to anyone. The pay, benefits, and security are unparalleled. I want to thank Secretary-Treasurer Ron Hicks and all the Officers and Agents at Local 776 for all that they do; many times, it’s a thankless job.

Steve is all smiles after receiving his watch from Ron!

Rick Shellenberger: Rick retired from ABF Freight on March 1^st. After accumulating 40.5 years in the freight industry, the last 22 years were spent at ABF. During his time in the freight industry, Rick worked for Consolidated Freightways and New Penn before settling in at ABF. Over the years, Rick amassed an impressive driving record: he had accrued a total of three million miles and 37 years of safe driving. Both accomplishments are to be proud of!

Rick and his wife, Rebecca, a retired nurse, have two children: Amanda and Justin. Since Rick retired, they have been spending time on the road, camping with their fifth-wheel travel trailer. After spending three weeks in Florida, their goal is to travel as much as possible in the next 5-6 years, exploring the country. After that, they might consider cruising to stay active. When I caught up to Rick somewhere on the road, he added: “I’m enjoying retirement and wish everyone well. I hope Unions are around for a long time!”

A handshake and a watch as Ron congratulates Rick on retirement

Congratulations from Everyone at Local 776, gentlemen! May you enjoy every day of your retirement!

On Friday, June 27, former employees of Yellow who filed individual proofs of claim outside of TNFINC's filing were mailed the attached notice. Each individual's letter included a "Claim Details Form" specific to their claim. They should complete the form as instructed and return it in the enclosed envelope that was provided. This is part of the claim reconciliation process. As a general update, we do not have an expected payout date and would not be able to provide an estimated date of payout.
Thank you.

Teamsters Local 776 has scheduled two days of informational meetings for our newest Members working at United Natural Foods, Inc., to familiarize them with their new insurance coverage. Please see below for full details: