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The Senate reconciliation bill prohibits states from regulating artificial intelligence (AI) for ten years. This includes the use of AI in autonomous vehicles, worker surveillance and monitoring technologies, hiring decisions, and many other applications.

Teamsters, community organizations, faith-based groups, and others nationwide are working with state legislators to address the dangers of AI deployment without oversight. Many states have already regulated artificial intelligence, enacting laws that safeguard children from online exploitation and protect copyrighted material and likeness.  

Passing the Senate reconciliation bill as written would extinguish those efforts and the Teamsters’ work across the nation to protect workers from job displacement.

Take Action with this link to email your Senator and tell them to “oppose the state AI moratorium,” and “support an amendment to remove it from the reconciliation bill!” The state AI moratorium must not be included in the final reconciliation bill that goes to the President’s desk.

A member submitted some photos from the Family Picnic at Knoebels. They have been added to the Members Photos section in the Photo Gallery. Thanks for sending them in.

Anyone else who would like to share their photos, email them to info @teamsterslocal776.org

Paul Hemmann recently retired from Springettsbury Township after amassing 46 years on the job! Paul started working part-time at Springettsbury Township while a senior in high school. After graduation, he was offered a full-time job, and 46 years later, he retired! While on the job, Paul was a Local 776 Union Steward, involved in contract negotiations and the day-to-day welfare of the Members.

Paul and his wife Marci have quite a houseful: three kids, two step-sons, and three grandchildren. Now that Paul’s retired, they will all be vying for more of his time. But he and Marci are also looking to travel, maybe on a cruise, to start seeing the world!

Paul’s got plenty to keep him busy in retirement; they enjoy camping with their travel trailer, he plays in his church band, they have a hunting cabin in Juniata County, he is a member of the Emigsville Rod and Gun club, and finally he’s also a home brewer, concentrating on lagers and red and brown ales.

Looking back on the last 46 years, Paul has no regrets. He commented: “The Township is a good place to work, and the negotiated benefits are great! “I would like to thank Business Agents Al Koch and Bill Olmeda for all of their hard work representing the members of Springettsbury Township. Al was the first BA I worked with at Local 776, and he taught me the ropes. After Al’s retirement, Bill took over and kept everything moving smoothly. I will miss my fellow workers on the job; after 46 years, they become a part of your life!”

Congratulations from everyone at Local 776, Paul; 46 years at the same employer is quite an accomplishment. May you enjoy as many years in retirement as the years it took you to earn it!

One of his last duties before retiring, Local 776 BA (L) presents Paul with his retirement watch.

Well, the picnic is over, and judging by all the smiling faces in the photos on the website, everyone had a great time.

It’s almost summertime; that old ballpark man is back in gear, things are heating up, and it’s time to get serious. Yep, it’s that time of the year again; the Local 776 Golf Tournament will tee off on Sunday, August 3rd this year.

There will be plenty of good-natured competition as some of the locals’ best players tee it up for bragging rights. Do you have what it takes to go a round of golf with these guys? If so, get your foursome together, dust off your putter, and clean the mud from your spikes! Come on out for a day of friendly competition, lunch, dinner, and prizes. But don’t delay; the foursomes fill in quickly. See below for all the details on what plans to be another great Local 776 event!

Local 776 held its membership family picnic on Sunday, June 8^th. Knoebels amusement park was the place for a day of food, fun, fellowship, and good times with family, friends, and co-workers. What a way to kick off the unofficial start of summer! Schools are out, and a day at Knoebels!

Members, spouses, kids, grandkids, and retirees filled Knoebels, making it one of Local 776's most significant member events. Teamster Pride was on display inside the park as a steady stream of Teamster members and family members sporting Teamster hats, caps, T-shirts, and sweatshirts milled about the park, enjoying themselves. The unsettled weather might have dampened things, but it didn't dampen the kids' enthusiasm to enjoy the park!

The registration table was fully staffed to get everyone into the park quickly!

As is customary at Local 776 events, tickets were sold for a 50-50 drawing throughout the day to benefit the Local Union's scholarship fund. The 50/50 winner was Nicole Bender, a member of the York County Courts. Additionally, there were two television drawings: Paul Batoha, a Member working at Walter Ziegler's Sons Concrete, won a 55-inch TV, and Audrey Smith, a member of Hershey Medical Center, won a 65-inch TV!

The Local 776 Retirees Club was at the Picnic; Club President Dave Wolf reported:  We had a good turnout of retirees at the picnic on Sunday. The following were the winners of the 50/50 drawing for cash and other prizes:

Kevin Cicak - 50/50 cash

Dennis Rehrig, Peter Rodriquez - Giant gift card

Stan Walters, Alan Sunday, Chalmer Edgin Sheetz gift card

Lindsay Depew, Ron Szpak - 776 Thermos

Michael Mumma, John Sarnowski - 776 Hat

Commented Local 776 President Ed Thompson, "It's a good feeling seeing my Brothers and Sisters, along with their families and friends, enjoying each other, the day, and the park. I'm proud of this turnout; you, the members, who fuel that sense of pride, supporting your Local Union. I want to thank EVERYONE from Local 776 who put so much time and effort into making the picnic a success. Without your support, this event could not happen."

To view additional photos from the picnic, please visit the Photo Gallery to view "Knoebels Family Picnic 2025."

Thanks to all the members who submitted photos of their day at the park. There is also a gallery titled "Members Knoebels Photos 2025," where you can view the members' photos. If you want to share pictures, it's not too late; send them to info@teamsterslocal776.org, and we'll add them to the Photo Gallery!

Teamster Local 776 Members at Hershey Medical Center voted earlier this week on a new three-year collective bargaining agreement. The members overwhelmingly approved the new agreement by a margin of more than 2 1/2 to 1.

Will you be coming to the picnic at Knoebels on Sunday? Great, we’re looking forward to seeing you. Show your Teamster Pride by wearing your Teamster gear—shirts, hats, whatever you have!

Our photographer will roam the park taking pictures of you, your family, your kids, and your friends. He’ll be wearing a Teamsters Local 776 shirt. If you see him but he doesn’t see you, just shout to him, “Yo Erik!” and he’ll be glad to include you in his photo collection.

Everyone has a camera, and I’m sure you will be taking photos of the day. How about sharing your photos with others? Just email your photos to info@teamsterslocal776.org, and we’ll upload them to a “Members Photos” section in the Photo Gallery on the Local Union Website and the Mobile App. As space permits, we’ll print them in the upcoming newsletter!

See you Sunday at Knoebels!

We hope to see all the Local 776 Retiree Group Members who can attend the membership picnic at Knoebels Grove on Sunday, June 8, 2025. After checking in, stop by pavilion #P9 (behind pavilion U), where the Retiree Group will be located. We will sell 50/50 tickets from 10:30 to 3:00 to raise money for our group.  At 3:00 PM, we will draw the lucky prize winners.

We will have Member applications on hand for retirees who have not yet become members of our group. Additionally, you can sign up for Local Union Website Alerts to keep you informed on what’s going on at Local 776. All you need to provide is your name, email address, and “retired” for your employer! Your information is stored on our secure server and is never sold or used for any purpose other than contacting you concerning Union events and news. See you Sunday!  

According to new data published by the Economic Policy Institute, labor unions' popularity has surged over the past decade, while American sentiment toward big business has fallen. Up until 2012, sentiment moved together, but things changed in the recovery from the Global Financial Crisis. After the pandemic, public support for labor unions and workers increased even more. Americans are more likely to support unions than big companies by the widest margin in 60 years.

This effect directly affects Local 776’s growth. We have been organizing in traditional and new industries. Recent additions to the Membership include United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), Cannabis workers at Rise GTI dispensary, and York City property and maintenance inspectors. Presently, there are active organizing campaigns in warehousing and nursing.

In light of the expanding Membership, the Local Union Executive Board has made the following appointments:

Chalmer Edgin II was appointed to the position of Business Agent. Before assuming the BA position, Chalmer served as Local 776 Vice-President. Chalmer is a 34-year Teamster Member employed by ABF Freight System as a road driver. Chalmer was elected as a local 776 Steward for road drivers in 2015. In 2023, he was selected to represent the rank-and-file Members at the ABF Freight Contract negotiations for the ABF National Agreement and the Central Pa Local Supplement. He has been one of the drivers of the Local 776 truck several times for the support of other Locals and disaster relief.

Garry Teter, Jr., was appointed to the position of Teamsters Local 776 Vice-President. Garry is a second-generation Teamster; his father is a Local 776 Member who worked at UPS. Garry started his Teamster journey in 1988 and has been employed by ABF Freight System for the past 22 years, where he was a city driver and is now a road driver. He has been a Local 776 Steward for the past thirteen years. Garry also drives the Local’s truck when called upon in support of other locals and disaster relief. While driving on the road, Garry has amassed an incredible two million miles of safe driving!

Joshua Todd was appointed to the position of Teamsters Local 776 Project Organizer. Before his appointment, Josh worked at TForce Freight (formerly UPS Freight) for 5.5 years. While at TForce, Josh served as a Local 776 Union Steward for five years. With the upswing in Union interest, Josh will be working with Local 776 Organizer Ashley Cerzullo to ensure that any employer groups looking to organize are given the utmost attention.

Congratulations on your appointments, Gentlemen! With your help, Local 776 will continue to serve the Membership to the best of its abilities!

Flags flew high, and patriotism filled the air Monday morning as the Camp Hill, PA, community gathered for its 106th annual Memorial Day Parade and remembrance ceremony.

Families lined the streets under sunny skies, waving American flags as local bands, scout troops, and veterans marched in a show of unity and respect. For many in attendance, this parade is more than just tradition; it's a heartfelt tribute to those who served our country by making the ultimate sacrifice.

Local 776 participated in the parade, as Officers, Business Agents, Staff, and Members gave part of their day off to participate. As everyone marched in the parade, they were busy handing out candy to the kids along the parade route.

The procession continued to the Camp Hill Cemetery, where the town paused for a solemn ceremony to honor fallen service members. The ceremony included laying flowers, a "Taps" performance, and a call to remember the lives and legacies of those who never made it home.

Commented Local 776 President Ed Thompson, "The Local Union is proud to be a Member of the Camp Hill Community and participate in their Memorial Day Parade. As a service organization, it's essential to support the communities in which our members live and work. I want to thank everyone involved from Local 776 for giving up part of their Holiday to participate in the Parade and remembrance ceremony."

Our truck's color scheme fits right in with the patriotic theme!

The kids had plenty of candy to choose from!

Thanks for helping out!