It seems the war on workers never rests. The members of IAM (International Association of Machinists) Local 1211 found that out on Sunday, January 11, 2026.

More than 250 IAM Union Local 1211 members in Erie, Pa, who manufacture vibration and motion control components for the aerospace industry voted to go on strike against Parker Lord over unresolved economic issues, marking a historic moment for the local union. At the center of the dispute is the company's refusal to adequately address wages that have failed to keep pace with the rising cost of living over the past five-year contract. Despite the union's good-faith efforts to reach a fair agreement, Parker Lord has not offered economic proposals that meet members' needs.

As a result, IAM Local 1211 members voted to withhold their labor, and the strike began at 12 a.m. ET on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. "Our members have shown patience and professionalism for years,” said IAM District 98 Assistant Directing Business Representative Kermit Forbes. "But after decades without a strike, this vote reflects how serious these economic concerns have become and how determined our members are to fight for fair wages and respect on the job." IAM Local 1211 remains ready to return to the bargaining table and urges Parker Lord to present a proposal that recognizes the value, skill, and dedication of its workforce.

In a show of solidarity to our Union Brothers and Sisters fighting for a fair contract, Local 776 BA Dave Licht, Trustee Justin Seitz, and Organizer Josh Todd were on the strike line in Erie on Monday, January 19, and Tuesday, January 20. Teamsters Local 397, headquartered in Erie, was also on site offering support to the striking Members. Despite terrible weather with snow, low temperatures in the teens, a low of 3 degrees Tuesday morning, and with 45 mph wind gusts both days, Local 776 Teamsters stood strong with their IAM Brothers in their fight for an equitable contract.

L-R: Justin, PA Representative Pat Harkins, Teamsters Local 397 Principal Officer Doug Youngs, Dave, and Josh

Commented Local 776 President Ed Thompson: "An injustice to one is an injustice to all. The IAM Members are fighting for their economic lives in brutal weather that will test the mettle of any person. I'm proud to say Local 776 had people on site supporting the IAM strikers, letting them know they are not alone in their fight for a fair and just contract. Thanks to Dave, Justin, and Josh for finding the time to make the trek to Erie for this show of support."

Another day on the line, another day stronger. Braving these conditions just strengthens the Members' resolve to fight for a better contract

It's a new year, and the Local 776 Retirees Club is starting it with their monthly meeting, featuring guest speakers. The meeting is this coming Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Our guest speakers, Cathy Bollinger and Phil Woods from the York County Community Foundation, will present a program on healthy aging.

Come out, stay active, and connect with other retirees. Just because you're no longer punching the clock, you're still a Teamster, the best kind; a Retired Teamster!

On January 11, 2026, Local 776 held nominations for the election of delegates and alternate delegates to the IBT convention at the Local 776 Union Hall in Camp Hill.

William Gross of WDG Consulting conducted the nomination meeting. Once nominations were opened to the floor, the incumbent Officers, Business Agents, and Organizers, collectively known as the Teamsters for Teamsters Slate, were each nominated, seconded, and the nominations were accepted by each candidate. Mr. Gross called a second time for nominations from the floor. Hearing none, Mr. Gross called for nominations from the floor a third and final time. Hearing no nominations after the third call, Mr. Gross declared nominations closed. He then declared the Teamsters for Teamsters Slate winners of the election by acclamation.

The Teamsters for Teamsters Slate would like to thank the Members of Local 776 for their continued support as they represent Local 776 members at the IBT convention.

It's been a busy couple of weeks around the Union Hall as we celebrate our Season of Caring, Season of Sharing. From the smiling faces in the pictures we've been sharing, it looks like it was a successful Holiday Season.

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who helps with our holiday endeavors: the Local Union Officers and Business Agents, the office staff, the Teamster Horsemen, the Smiley Family Cookie Factory, and, last but not least, the Members.

The Members who take an ornament to purchase a gift for a child from a needy family, the Members who work behind the scenes making goodie bags, the Members who give their precious time and show up at our events, and the Members who pitch in and do what's needed. The Members who stand together as one proud organization to support working men and women.

I've said it so often, but I'll repeat it: it's the Members coming together to support THEIR Union that makes me say, "I'm Proud to be a Teamster!" On behalf of everyone at Local 776, I wish you a safe and Merry Christmas!

Fraternally,

Ed Thompson,

President, Teamsters Local 776

After our Children's Christmas Party, some extra presents remained. The Local decided to help Santa fulfill Christmas wishes by donating toys to local agencies. BAs Chalmer Edgin, Spencer Dearth, Keith Hartman, Jason Kraft, Dave Vrona, former BA now retired Dave Wolf,  and Organizers Ashley Cerzullo and Joshua Todd made the rounds of the various agencies delivering Christmas Joy. Here's a rundown of agencies we helped to create a brighter Christmas:

St. Bernard Catholic Church. New Bloomfield, PA:

Brian Swope (L), Teamster Local 776 Retiree, road driver from ABF, and Father Robert Sharman of Saint Bernard Catholic Church in New Bloomfield, PA, review gifts for the church's toy donation drive.

Access-York/YWCA:

Miss Bert Palmer accepted the toys on behalf of Access York from Retired Business Agent Dave Wolf.

The Zembo Mosque (Shriners), Harrisburg, PA:

Spencer, Ashley, and Chalmer stopped in at the Mosque in Harrisburg with toys destined for the Shriner Hospital

Penn State Milton S. Hershey children's hospital:

L-R Josh, Ashley, Dave, Tom Bender (steward) Spencer, Pamela Baranowski (child life assistant/ special events & donations), Matt Miller (steward), and Jason

Hagerstown, MD Marine Corps Toys for Tots:

Keith, Jeff (ex-marine with Toys for Tots), Spencer, and Josh 

Well, if you've been following along the last 10 days, it's been a busy Season of Caring, Season of Sharing at Local 776! 

Merry Christmas, and thank you to everyone who puts in the time, effort, and desire to help one another each year!

Continuing our Season of Caring, Season of Sharing, Local 776 held another Giftmas Event!

On Saturday, December 20, 2025, Local 776 hosted our annual Christmas for Kids Community Services Christmas Party. In conjunction with the Community Progress Council's WIC program, the party helps some of the area's most needy families during the holiday season. During the party, the kids received gifts and goodie bags from Santa and shared in the season. Santa and his "Elves" were busy ensuring everyone had a good time, and with the kids' smiling faces, it looked like Christmas!

It's always about the kids!

In addition to their gift and goodie bag, each child also received a pair of gloves, a ski cap, and a warm blanket. These items were generously donated by the York-area AFSCME (American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees) chapter. AFSCME Members were on hand to assist with the Giftmas Event!

"We are fortunate to have so much again this year, and it's important to help those in need share in the season. For some of these kids, this is their Christmas, and we try hard to help as many as possible," commented Local 776 President Ed Thompson. "I would like to thank the Christmas for Kids Party Committee Members, our Local Union staff, the Teamster Horsemen, and the Area AFSCME chapter for all their hard work in putting this event together. Also, thanks to our Retirees Club, which added its support by making a cash contribution for the gifts that the Teamster Horsemen purchased. Last but not least, I would like to thank Bimbo Bakeries and Canteen Corp. for their donations to help make the party successful."

Additional photos from the party are available in the "Photo Gallery."

Quite a crowd descended on the Union Hall last Saturday for the Children's Christmas Party. Members and their families were reveling in the Christmas Spirit as they celebrated our Season of Sharing, Season of Caring. Here are a few more pictures we received from the event:

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

When it comes to moving a large truckload, whether disaster relief supplies or Christmas joy bundles, who are you going to call? The Teamsters! On December 14^th, Local 776 Business Agent Spencer Dearth and Organizer Joshua Todd assisted the Dauphin County Office of Human Services in moving donated gifts to the Harrisburg Farm Show complex.

Since 2008, with the assistance of local businesses, corporations, and community partners, the organization has provided needy families with hundreds of gifts at this special time of year. Over 400 families and over 2,000 children and youth will receive the gifts.

Dauphin County volunteers had bag after bag to load in the truck

As the logo on our tractor-trailer states, "people helping people," the Local put it to good use, moving the collection of gifts to the Farm Show Arena in Harrisburg. Many organizations and faith-based community partners from the Dauphin County Office of Human Services, Systems of Care, were involved in moving the items to the distribution point. Still, it was the Local's tractor-trailer that moved the big load on this cold, blustery Sunday afternoon.

Quite a haul of Christmas Joy!

Everyone gathered for a group photo with the "Driving Force" of the day's activity, Josh (3rd from left kneeling, and Spencer (yellow Jacket)

Please see below for important information from the IBT concerning the Yellow Corp. Bankruptcy proceedings:

Teamsters Local 776 members at the York County Prison Maintenance Department successfully completed their 5th annual Toys for Tots collection drive, coming together in support of the local radio station's 96.1 SOX Toy Challenge. Thanks to the generosity of Teamsters Local 776 members and other county departments, more than 1,800 new toys were collected. Donations focused on the most in-demand age groups: pre-teens ages 9–12 and infants through age 2, while toys for children ages 3-12 were also welcome.

Local 776 kicked off its Season of Caring, Season of Sharing by supporting Todd's effort with an early donation of toys to help fill the truck and inspire others to give.

Since its inception, the Toy Challenge on the Bridge has collected nearly 74,000 new toys and raised over $130,000 for the York and Lancaster County U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program—continuing to make a meaningful impact for families throughout the community.