I hope everyone is enjoying the summer season with vacations and all the important time with friends and family.

The day I assumed the presidency of our great Local began a whirlwind month of settling into my new position with its added responsibilities, greeting everyone at the family picnic, and representing Local 776 at the IBT Convention.

I want to congratulate Sean M. O'Brien and Fred Zuckerman on being reelected to another five-year term as General President and General Secretary-Treasurer, respectively, of our great Union. The O'Brien-Zuckerman Slate was elected at the Union's 31st International Convention. No opposition candidates received enough votes to meet the Teamsters' constitutionally required threshold to challenge the O'Brien-Zuckerman team.

Additionally, congratulations to Business Agent Dave Vrona on his appointment to the Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee by Pa Governor Josh Shapiro. The committee works to promote highway safety through advocacy, education, and collaboration between government agencies and transport industry stakeholders.

July began with a powerful Fourth of July rain and windstorm that swept through Central Pennsylvania and surrounding areas, causing significant damage to the Camp Hill Union Hall. Part of the Hall's roof was torn off, allowing water to enter and flood the building. After discovering the damage on Sunday, all Officers and Agents immediately worked to protect the Hall and its contents, knowing more rain was expected throughout the week. Immediately, we formulated a plan to prevent further damage and ensure the Hall could resume business as usual on Monday.

Business Agents and Organizers whose offices were in the affected area of the Union Hall were temporarily relocated to other areas within the Camp Hill Hall, as well as to the York and Hagerstown Union Halls. Thanks to this collective effort, by Monday morning, less than 36 hours after the storm caused significant damage, the affected staff had settled into temporary offices and were serving their members. Relocating the administrative staff and rerouting incoming calls through the York Hall ensured the Local's business continued without interruption when we opened on Monday. For these reasons, I know our members and I are blessed to have such dedicated Officers, Agents, Organizers, and Office Staff working for the Local.

Looking over the horizon, there is much in store for Local 776. In 2027, planning will begin on three major national contracts that affect our membership: ABF Freight, TForce Freight, and UPS. These contracts all expire in 2028. It will take a concerted effort by experienced Committee Chairs and Business Agents, along with rank-and-file Members, to secure the best possible contracts for these hard-working Members. All the while, we will continue to negotiate and enforce our numerous "white paper" contracts in-house.

The one constant in all of this is that you, the members, are part of a successful, financially sound, and united Local Union. We are 100% committed to providing you with the best possible contracts and representation you deserve in the workplace, along with social activities for you and your families to enjoy together with your Union Brothers and Sisters.

I believe a leader leads from the front and by example. I will be proactive in providing my fellow Business Agents with my input or assistance when they ask. Additionally, the Local must continue to grow; organizing is our lifeblood. As your President, I will continue to work closely with our organizing department as we bring new Members into the fold.

We remain committed to staying in touch with you on issues that affect you in the workplace and as Union Members. Please monitor our website, the mobile app, your Union Bulletin Boards, and future issues of the newsletter for important information concerning our planned activities.

Fraternally,

Spencer B. Dearth

President, Teamsters Local 776