On December 12, 2021, per the logo on the side of the tractor-trailer, “People Helping People,” Local 776 assisted the Dauphin County Office of Human Services transport donated items 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. For several years, the Local has put the tractor-trailer to use, moving the collection of gifts to be received by over 400 families and over 2000 children and youth.

Our truck took over the front of the Farm Show Building for the move

It took a large group of Human Services employees to get everything into the Farm Show.

From Left: Local 776 BA's Spencer Dearth, and John Taylor, along with the county employees

The lobby of the building was filled with holiday gifts

The truck says it all!!

At the conclusion of the December Membership Meeting the members in attendance were treated to a Christmas dinner. Ham, Turkey, and all the extras to go with it were offered. There were “Goodie Bags” filled with sweet treats for everyone to take along with them. In addition to the sweets, the bags contained a Local 776 “Beanie Cap” for when the colder weather sets in.

“The monthly membership meetings are an important tool for getting information to the members. However, they are also important for building brotherhood among the members of the various employer groups we represent. I’m glad to see the members relaxing, enjoying the food, and enjoying each other's company,” commented President Ed Thompson.

There was a good crowd on hand enjoying the food, the fellowship, and the Christmas season!

Treats for the sweet tooth plus a cap for the cold days ahead!

Merry Christmas from everyone at Teamsters Local 776!

Local 776 held their annual Children’s Christmas Party, sort of, as a “Drive-through”on Saturday December 11, 2021. Unfortunately again this year it was not  the joyful event we are accustomed to with the Union Hall filled with our kids, family, friends, and coworkers gathering throughout the day, with the Christmas Spirit overflowing from the Hall. Nevertheless, Christmas is in the air and judging from the smiles on the kids they didn’t seem to mind! Cars lined up at both the Harrisburg and York Union Halls for the kids to receive a gift, a goodie bag filled with cookies and candy treats, and a chance to say Merry Christmas to Santa! From the smiles on the member’s faces, it looks like they were having a good time also!

“Our Christmas party has a long tradition of serving the Local’s members and their families”, commented Local 776 President Ed Thompson. “While not the party we are accustomed to, we’ll find a way to continue our tradition. I would like to thank everyone; the Officers, Business Agents, and staff, who worked to make this event a success!”

Additional photos from the “party” can be found in the Photo Gallery on the website and on the Local 776 mobile app as well as our Facebook page. Our photographers were busy, look and see if they photographed you and your kids!

The sign on our truck says it all:

"People Helping People"

A big smile for a big gift!

Smiles all around!!

They both look excited!

Helping spread holiday cheer!

Let me see Santa!

Additional photos can be found in the Photo Gallery as well as the Local 776 App.

Merry Christmas from everyone at Teamsters Local 776!

Local 776 members who work at Dauphin County Prison (DCP) overwhelmingly approved a new four-year agreement on December 10, 2021. Local 776 Business Agent Shane Weaver and the DCP negotiating committee worked tirelessly to keep Dauphin County at the bargaining table, reaching a tentative agreement with the County on November 30, 2021. During meetings held throughout the day on December 10, Shane and the committee presented the tentative agreement to the membership before they voted. Once the ballots were tabulated, the tentative agreement was approved by 86% of the membership. An acceptance rate such as that sends a clear message to the employer that the membership at DCP supports Shane and the negotiating committee.

DCP business Agent Shane Weaver (center) and the negotiating committee present the tentative agreement to the members

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s Children’s Christmas party will again have a different look to it.  Local 776 is planning a drive-thru Christmas party. Just drive up to the front gate in Harrisburg or drive thru the parking lot in York.  Santa Claus will be there to give each child a gift and a bag of Christmas treats.  Santa will be accepting letters to take back with him to the North Pole.

The event will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 10:30 AM until 1:30 PM at the Harrisburg Union Hall at 2552 Jefferson St., Harrisburg, PA 17110 and at the York Union Hall at 1780 6^th Ave., York, PA 17403.

The party is for the children and grandchildren of full members and active retirees ages newborn to 10 years.

PLEASE BRING THIS LETTER WITH YOU THE DAY OF THE PARTY!!

As we continue to grapple with the pandemic this Thanksgiving, do not lose sight of what we have to be thankful for: our country is still the greatest nation on earth with freedoms, rights, and opportunities matched by no other nation. While enjoying your Holiday please remember our military personnel, many who are away from their families and loved ones protecting the rights and liberties that we cherish in our great country. However you, and your family, and friends, choose to celebrate Thanksgiving, please remain safe.

On behalf of the Officers, Agents, Staff, and I would like to wish everyone a Happy and SAFE Thanksgiving Holiday.

Fraternally,

Ed Thompson,

President, Teamsters Local 776

Recently the Fall 2021 edition of the “Local 776 Review” Newsletter was mailed to the membership. If the Postal Service lost yours, or you missed it, or maybe you are a new member who was not yet on the mailing list, don’t worry! The Newsletter is available to download, view, and print online. Go to the “Member Resources” page of the newsletter where it can be found under “downloads”.

Editor’s note: In the Fall 2021 Local 776 Newsletter, one member was incorrectly identified, and another member’s story was omitted due to miscommunication with the printer. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused. Both articles are reprinted below:

Danny Crawford: Danny retired from UPS on October 1, 2021, after putting in 44 years with the company. As with most long-term members at UPS, Danny started as a part-time employee in the Harrisburg Hub. As his seniority grew he moved through the ranks of full-time hub, package car, and lastly feeders, where he spent the last 25 years running up and down the road. Danny and his wife Judy have two children and five grandchildren to keep them busy in retirement. Retirement will allow him more time to pursue his hobbies of hunting and fishing, he might be able to take a few more trips to Lake Erie to enjoy walleye fishing. Danny and Judy had plans to do some traveling once retirement arrived, due to COVID they’ll be cautious, taking a wait-and-see attitude before venturing out. Danny is happily settling into life as a retiree and would like to wish all his Union Brothers and Sisters good luck as they work toward their retirement. Congratulations from everyone at Local 776 Danny, 44 years is a long time in the workforce, may you enjoy 44 years of retirement!

Danny Crawford, (L) and Local 776 BA Dave Licht admire Danny’s retirement watch

Bob Diehl: Bob Retired on October 1, 2021 after a 39-year career as a Teamster. In that time, Bob worked for Victory Leasing, Transcon Lines, USF Red Star, USF Holland and UPS. Bob began working at UPS in 2004 as a casual feeder driver in Harrisburg, eventually becoming a full-time driver, where he worked until his retirement. Bob has a cabin in Perry County where he enjoys the peacefulness of the mountains. He dabbles in die-cast trucks of various companies and has had trucks made for some of them. With retirement bringing more free time he hopes to devote some of that time to flea markets and auctions looking for that special something. Additionally he has two motorcycles and enjoys riding the open road. One thing Bob is proud of is that in his time with the Teamsters he always self-paid his Union dues on time rather than rely on an employer paying it for him. Bob is proud to be a Teamster and has many friends at Local 776. In settling into retirement, Bob commented “My Watch Has Ended”. From everyone at Local 776 congratulations Bob, enjoy retirement!

Local 776 BA Dave Licht (L) presents Bob with his

Local 776-retirement watch

On behalf of everyone at Local 776, I would like to wish all Veterans a Happy Veterans Day!  Because of your devoted service, and unwavering loyalty to our great county, we remain the home of the free. For that, we thank you for your service!

If you know a Veteran, reach out to him or her and thank them. If you notice a gathering on Veterans Day, honor them with your thanks.

This day is to honor the Veterans, but please take a moment to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our rights and liberties.

Fraternally,

President, Teamsters Local 776

On October 4, 2021, ballots for the election of International Union Officers will be mailed to your home. Full details can be found below.