Recent winter weather took a toll on the U.S. At one point, approximately 75% of the country was snow covered. Extreme cold covered Texas and the south. Texas remained in the frigid grip of winter storms as an arctic blast deepened an electricity supply crisis that has forced millions to endure days without power and heat. Pipes froze and burst across the state, and icicles hung from kitchen faucets in Houston, as Texas utilities struggled to restore power to millions of residents affected by the brutal winter weather, officials were scrambling to provide clean water as well. Cities and counties across the state, including Houston, San Antonio and Austin, had issued boil water notices stemming from concerns about contamination and low water pressure as frigid temperatures froze pipes, leaving some households with little to no running water. The boil water notices compounded the frustrations of some residents who stated that they do not have the power or electricity to boil water or are without water completely.

During the height of the crisis in Texas Local 776 received a call from the IBT. The International had a truckload of bottled water marked for delivery to the Dallas/Fort Worth area and needed someone to deliver it. Without hesitation, President Ed Thompson offered the Local’s truck and drivers to make the delivery. Two Local 776 members, both road drivers and Union Stewards from ABF Freight, Chalmer Edgin and Garry Teter Jr., jumped at the chance to deliver the much-needed water and were soon on the way, dropping the water off at the headquarters of Local 178 Operating Engineers Dallas/Ft. Worth. Once again the Local’s motto “People Helping People” is put to the test and we delivered. Thanks to Chalmer  and Garry for getting the job done when it was urgently needed.

Local 776 Stewards Garry Teter Jr. (L) and Chalmer Edgin made the trip to Texas with the urgently needed water.

Once Garry and Chalmer arrived at their destination the Operating Engineers had the equipment to quickly unload the water.

Local 776 driver Chalmer Edgin (L), Nick Webb, and Mack Bennett, both with Local 178 Operating Engineers Dallas/Ft. Worth.

Last week, the House voted YES to pass the American Rescue Plan bill with a solution to save our pensions! This wouldn’t have been possible without the voices of workers, including thousands of Teamsters who sent letters and made calls to their representatives before the vote.

For years, we’ve fought for a solution to the looming pension crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has put the retirement of Teamsters in vulnerable mutliemployer pension plans in real peril. Thanks to the continued efforts by Teamster members, retirees and our families, a solution is within reach. Now, we need to push just a little bit more. We need the Senate to act so we can secure pensions and deliver relief to working people.

Contact your Senator to demand they pass the American Rescue Plan that includes a solution for endangered pensions.

We worked hard in 2020 to elect pro-worker champions who would fight to make this happen. On late Saturday night, the House advanced this relief package and our pension solution. Sadly, not a single Republican voted to deliver relief or secure our pensions.

The Senate is scheduled to vote in the coming days, and President Biden has pledged to sign the bill. Next week, a pension solution could be delivered to Teamsters and their families across the country who worked hard to earn the right to retire with dignity.

We’re so close to the finish line, but we can’t let up just yet. Keep up the good work and ask that your Senator votes YES on the American Rescue Plan and our pensions solution.

We negotiated for and earned our pensions. Together, we can make sure the Senate passes the American Rescue Plan that delivers real relief for all Americans and protects our pensions.

Take two minutes and send a message to your Senator and help us deliver on the promise to Build Back Stronger.

In solidarity,

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters

The 30^th International Convention of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters will convene on June 22, 2021. Full details can be found below: