The strike at the RISE dispensary began earlier today. If you or someone you know visits this facility, please don’t cross our picket line. Other dispensaries in the York area would be happy to do business with you.

Union Strong!

Teamsters Cannabis Workers are united!

Taking a stand against a greedy employer

United we stand TALL!

Please respect the Local 776 Members on strike and do not cross our picket line. Let's hurt RISE where it counts: Their bottom line!

As we celebrate this Labor Day, our Brothers and Sisters at Rise Dispensary will not be joining in the celebration. They have been forced to strike by the employer for their bad faith tactics at the bargaining table. The company has refused to offer our members a living wage, all while generating record revenues of $1.1 billion in 2024. The company's CEO was awarded over $10 million in salary, bonuses, awards, and other forms of compensation that same year.

Over the past year, Local 776 and Rise members have been in negotiations for a first contract. The company has refused to move from its offer of a last, best, and final contract proposal, which was unanimously rejected by the membership.

As of 8 am on Labor Day morning, these Rise members commenced a strike to demand the company rescind their last, best and final offer and negotiate in good faith on a contract that is deserving of the hard work these Rise members do each and every day.

If you want to help out your Brothers and Sisters at Rise Dispensary, the strike line is located at 2139 White Street, York, PA

“On behalf of the Officers, the Business Agents, the staff of Local 776, and myself, I would like to wish all working men and women a Happy Labor Day. American Labor built our great country. America became a world leader thanks to the men and women who built it. America is stronger when America works.”

 The Labor Movement created Labor Day in the late 19th century, and it became a federal holiday in 1894. As an annual celebration of workers and their achievements, Labor Day originated during one of the most dismal chapters in American labor history. In the late 1800s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the average American worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks to eke out a basic living.

“Every laborer deserves a reward; today is your day, take a moment to reflect on what your work provides you and your family, be proud of what you do, be proud to live and work in our great country, be proud to be a Teamster! So, today, relax and do something fun. Be motivated, stay determined, and keep the fire burning within you.”

Fraternally,

Ed Thompson

President, Teamsters Local 776

When the City of York held a Labor Day Parade, Local 776 proudly participated!

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

Recently, Local 776 mailed the Summer 2025 Edition of the 776 Review to the Membership. If you missed it because you were away on vacation or the USPS lost it, fear not! It is available in the downloads section of the website under Member Resources.

 UPS bowed to a credible, coordinated strike threat authorized by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters around midnight last week after the union demanded the multibillion-dollar corporation cease multiple attacks on workers’ rights. With picket lines ready to assemble in the early morning hours on Tuesday across seven states, the Teamsters secured a handful of settlements from UPS on outstanding grievances as well as a first contract for newly organized workers. At the direction of General President Sean M. O’Brien, Teamsters were prepared to strike UPS at its largest air hub, Worldport, in Louisville, Ky., and across the Chicago area, and to extend picket lines to California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Ohio if UPS did not retreat.

“The Teamsters have lost all patience with UPS’s ongoing attacks on our members’ rights and our contracts. The gloves are off,” O’Brien said. “Since the ratification of our National Master Agreement in 2023, UPS has displayed disdain and shameless disrespect for the workforce. They have refused to settle grievances, are overworking drivers and part-time members, have failed miserably to deliver heat relief, and are illegally trying to pay off our members. Our union’s actions on Monday and Tuesday are just the beginning of an aggressive new chapter for the Teamsters at UPS. We will be UPS’s conscience.”

In Louisville, the Teamsters’ strike threat pushed UPS to resolve grievances affecting workers at Worldport’s Aircraft Maintenance Distribution Center (AMDC). For more than a year, UPS has ignored or delayed grievances that would honor and preserve AMDC members’ work, regularly diverting airport distribution services to workers paid a lower rate. The affected members of Teamsters Local 89 will now handle all originally assigned work along with its sister union, Teamsters Local 2727, under a settlement agreement UPS acquiesced to late Monday night.

In Chicago, Teamsters Local 705 achieved a first contract for administrative and specialist workers — a group similarly ignored by the delivery giant until strike lines were organized. The new classification of workers will be elevated to earn the top wage rate for their respective job duties.

On Friday, as O’Brien made clear to UPS that the Teamsters Union was prepared to take a more militant approach to resolve worker mistreatment, the company bowed as well and agreed to settle outstanding grievances regarding seniority issues and workplace safety at Teamsters Local 20 in Toledo and Teamsters Local 455 in Denver.

“There’s only one thing that UPS cares about, and that’s money. Their behavior at the corporate level as of late proves it. Executive bonuses. Stock buybacks. These things are far more important to CEO Carol Tomé than the rights and livelihood of the men and women who deliver all those packages,” said Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman. “Our members around the nation should be proud of themselves for taking a stand against runaway corporate greed. UPS wasn’t ready, but behind the scenes, the Teamsters were. Let this be a warning to UPS that in any state, at any facility, the Teamsters are prepared to fight back against continued abuse of our members.”

While the Teamsters’ latest strike threat moved UPS to resolve myriad issues in several states, the logistics corporation is still violating the union’s National Master Agreement around the country. Since mid-July, UPS has bribed full-time drivers with illegal buyout offers to leave the company before retirement — another profit-fueled scheme being rejected by members.

Under Article 18 of the Teamsters contract, UPS is obligated to deliver at least 28,000 vehicles equipped with air conditioning. The upgraded language marked a significant win for delivery workers, who face extreme heat conditions for months on-end to ensure the company remains successful. Halfway into the agreement, UPS is woefully behind, having rolled out far less than 10 percent of the required new fleet.

Under Article 37, rank-and-file Teamsters are protected from being forced to work more than 9.5 hours per day; or UPS is required to pay significant penalties to compensate workers for the additional hazard and time. In the first six months of the year, UPS has already been forced to pay tens of millions of dollars in penalty wages to workers, despite the corporation’s disgusting attempts to pay off Teamsters to quit their jobs. Under Article 22, UPS is obligated to create at least 22,500 new full-time positions, but as with its heat relief measures, the multibillion-dollar company remains far behind.

“The enforcement of our national contract must now only heat up. We need all members ready to punch back at a moment’s notice,” O’Brien said. “The Teamsters demand that UPS make good now on delivering thousands of additional vehicles with air conditioning to our local unions in Zone 1, the hottest working environments for delivery drivers in the nation. UPS is fully and finally out of time to do right by our members. No more excuses, no more delays.”

Recently, two Local 776 members retired after both amassing over thirty years of service. The Members worked in different industries: freight and airline maintenance. Still, both attest to their longevity at their respective employers because of being Teamsters and working under exceptional contracts, earning good wages, benefits, and having outstanding representation. Let's meet these Retirees:

Maynard Bertolet retired from ABF Freight on August 1st after 35 years of working for Union Carriers. Maynard started working at Pilot Freight Carriers in 1987, with stops along the way at St Johnsbury and Redstar. For over 35 years, he worked as a dock worker, yard worker, city driver, and road driver. While driving, Maynard amassed over 1 million miles as a road driver and 15,000 hours as a city driver, with no accidents.

Maynard and his wife, Susan, who is still working, have one son and presently no grandkids. They are in the process of restoring a 105-year-old house that includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and 44 windows throughout the home. Once Susan retires, there will be time for trips to the beach, vacations, and taking it easy.

Looking back, Maynard reflected, "It's a difficult job; the guys I worked with made it possible to get through. Our Local Union representation is outstanding. I'm pleased with Ron (Local 776 Secretary-Treasurer Ron Hicks) and the job he has done as our BA. I'm very thankful that our Union contract allowed me to retire early."

Local 776 Secretary-Treasurer Ron Hicks congratulates Maynard on his retirement.

Greg Swartz retired from Piedmont Airlines after accruing 34 years of service at the airline. Along the way, Greg worked in all aspects of aircraft maintenance: he was an avionics technician for 14 years, a mechanic for 12 years. Lastly, he worked as a quality control technician for 8 years until his retirement. Greg is a former military officer; he served as an MP (military police) officer while serving our country. Greg credits his military training in enforcing rules as a big help on the job, dealing with aircraft maintenance and safety. Greg’s military time carries over to his home life, where he has four cats: General Maisy, Colonel Boo, Lieutenant Gray, and Sergeant Striker. Sergeant Striker seems to be the family leader, volunteering for the point position on family missions!

With retirement comes free time, and Greg is using some of it to catch up on his retirement list of things to do, taking it easy and enjoying life.

Looking back, Greg commented, “I’d like to thank Piedmont for a 34-year career, and all the overtime they provided to help buy my house! I’m proud to retire as a Teamster; they are a great group. Former BA Eddie Sutton, my present BA Mark Cicak, and my Steward Andy Barnes were always there for me, helping me with their support and friendship, and to win my 3” high stack of grievances filed over the years!”

Local 776 Recording Secretary Mark Cicak (L) congratulates Greg on his retirement.

The only thing hotter than the weather was the competition at Eagles Crossing Golf Course in Carlisle on Sunday, August 3, 2025. Some of Local 776’s finest were out to enjoy a day of friendship, food, and prizes. There was plenty of friendly competition on the course, but bragging rights were on the line as members vied for first place in their respective flights, closest to the pin competition, and longest drive. After the last putt dropped and the divots had all been replaced, the members enjoyed a steak dinner while they talked about the errant shot, the putt that would not fall, and all things golf while the scores were tallied.

As is the custom at Local 776 events, a 50/50 drawing was held in support of the 776 Scholarship Fund. This year’s winner was Matt Moore of UPS.

Think you’ve got what it takes to tee it up with these guys? We’ll be doing it again next year, so work on your game, get a foursome together, and come on out for a day of great golf, great food, and great fellowship!

The winners in the various flights and competitions were:

Championship Flight First Place:

Robert Ingersoll, Jason Hammer, Scott Greib, Robert Fry                 066

Championship Flight Second Place

Dave Bloss, Greg Rickert, Nate Paulus, Michael Santeniello      064

Championship Flight Third Place

Rick Patterson, Chris Heistand, Kody Poet, Josh Denhoed              060

Second Flight First Place

Tim Barlup, Doug Horner, Michael Zepp, Ron Bishop                      057

Second Flight Second Place

Kevin Milakovic, Al Miller, Duane Green, Jeff Kennedy                  056

Second Flight Third place

Jonathan Snider, Ricky Stair, William Crum, Logan Warfield          052

Third Flight First Place

Alan Wagaman, Michael Baia, Daniel Shughart, Abel Salazar          051

Third Flight Second place

Tim Osborne, Dennis Wilson, Michael Kennedy, Joe Ro                  047

Third Flight Third place

Chris Fartenbaugh, Bob McGugin, Eric German, Quinn McLaughlin           045

The winners in the various individual competitions were:

Kyle Parrish, Perry Co Prison, Closest to the pin #7  0021

Drew Williams, Closest to the pin #3             0024

Teri Mudge, Adams County, longest drive women’s tee Hole #18   0006

Tom Bauer, Retired, Longest Drive Senior Tees Hole #18    0009

Tim Barlup, TForce Freight, Longest Drive White Tees Hole #18     013

Jefferson Wayne, ABF, closest to the pin Hole #16  0016

Ron Robinson, Retired, closest to the pin Hole #13  0019

Bob McGugin, ABF, $500 Eagles Crossing Gift Card          027

Matt Moore, UPS, 50/50 winner        0036

Additional photos of the Fearsome Foursomes who competed in the tournament can be found in the "Photo Gallery" under "Golf tournament 2025".

On July 19th and 20^th, 2025, Local 776 sponsored a health insurance seminar for UNFI Members to familiarize them with their new insurance benefits, which are available to them as a result of their recently ratified collective bargaining agreement. Business Agents Spencer Dearth and Chalmer Edgin, along with specialists from TeamCare, were on hand for the presentation.

Before turning the meeting over to the TeamCare representatives, Spencer opened the meeting: As many of you know, healthcare is one of the most vital benefits we fight for as a Union. It plays a significant role in your family’s financial security, your well-being, and your ability to plan for the future. That’s why we’ve organized today’s meeting: to ensure every member has a clear understanding of how TeamCare works and how to maximize the benefits available to them. Today’s meeting is designed to provide you with the necessary tools and information. We want you to walk away feeling confident about what’s covered, who you can turn to for help, and how to get answers when you need them. With that, I’ll turn the meeting over to our TeamCare specialists, Jackie Kovacs and Patty Fornino, to begin their presentation.

Local 776 BA Spencer Dearth delivers opening remarks to the Unfi Members.

It's insurance, so there's plenty of paperwork! Local 776 BA Chalmer Edgin makes sure everyone has their information as they check in

Chalmer and Spencer, along with the TeamCare Specialists  Jackie Kovacs (L), and Patty Fornino, 

For those unable to attend the meetings, the information packet provided by TeamCare can be downloaded and viewed by following the link below:

https://www.teamsterslocal776.org/docs/UNFI_TeamCare_information_packet_07_2025.pdf

Additionally, for future reference, the packet can be found in the “Downloads” section of the website under “Member Resources”.

In cooperation with the City of York, the York Adams County Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, is sponsoring a fishing Derby on Labor Day, Monday, September 1, 2025, at Kiwanis Lake in York, PA. Kiwanis Lake is located at 500 Parkway Blvd, York, PA 17404. Details can be found below: