On January 10th Teamsters Local 776, in cooperation with the Teamster National Pipeline Training Fund, conducted a Pipeline Fork lift Training class for our pipeline construction members so that they could obtain their forklift certification.

Teamsters Local 776 President Ed Thompson commented” I'm glad that Michael Laborde from the Teamsters National Training fund was able to facilitate this training for our members, we have some big pipe line jobs starting in the spring, and our members will be ready to go, I want to Thank Mike and also Local 776 Employer Eckert Trucking for providing the trailer to help us create a realistic training experience."

The class lasted all day, with a classroom session in the morning, and after lunch everyone was able to demonstrate their skills by loading and unloading material onto a flat bed trailer.

Class room training to start the day

Thanks Mike!

Hands on training

Our guys are ready!

At the conclusion of the 2015 Children’s Christmas Party Local 776 had toys remaining. A motion was passed at the December membership meeting to donate a portion of the remaining  toys to local organizations dealing with kids. The toys were delivered to the Harrisburg Zembo Shriners, who delivered the toys to the Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia, Shalom House in Harrisburg, and Delta House in Delta, PA. In addition to the toys that were donated to the Delta House Local 776 construction members along with workers from the other crafts working at the Calpine plant in Delta made a monetary donation to the Delta House.

L-R: Local 776 Business Agent Eddie Sutton, Potentate Tom Morgan of the Zembo Shrine, and Local 776 Secretary- Treasurer Ron Hicks

Local 776 Trustee Rob Smiley delivering the toys to Shalom House

Stewards from all crafts working at the Calpine Plant in Delta PA deliver toys and a monetary donation to the Delta Shelter. Local 776 Steward Kyle Thomas, far right.

Thanks to everyone who helped to make the Childrens Christmas Party a success!!!

At the conclusion of the December monthly membership meeting the members in attendance were treated to a Christmas dinner. Ham, Turkey, and all the extras to go with it were offered. During the dinner drawings were held for various “door prizes”. Lucky members whose tickets were drawn had their pick of items including Teamster apparel, Teamster blankets, goodie bags, and Poinsettia plants.

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

There was plenty of food for everyone

Merry Christmas!

The candy men!

Everyone hard at work!

To view more photos from the dinner please visit the Photo Gallery

Sysco Foods employees:

Here's what some other Sysco workers are saying about the Teamsters:

On Saturday December 12, 2015 Local 776 held its Christmas Party for members and retirees children and grandchildren. The Union hall was filled with the sounds of kids enjoying Christmas! After a stop at Santa’s workshop for a gift next up was a visit with the Big Man himself! Followed by food, drinks, assorted sweet treats and a trip to the face painter! Taking a break from his kitchen duties President Ed Thompson was delighted at the crowd that filed the Hall. “Events like this help to provide quality time for our members and their families. With hurried work schedules, school schedules, and daily life activities time for gathering like this is important. As our name implies the Brotherhood of Teamsters. I would like to thank the Officers, Agents, and Staff for all the time and effort put forth to insure the party was a success!”

The Union Hall was decorated for the season

Santa has arrived!

Making their way to Santas workshop..

Dressed for the day!

The face painter was busy all day,

Roll Tide!!!!!!

To view more smiling faces from the Party please visit the photo gallery

On December 5, 2015 Local 776 sponsored a Christmas for Kids party for children in York County’s WIC (women, infants, and children) program. Party committee chairman Rob Smiley, a Local 776 Trustee, and 776 TITAN operator Mandy Day worked together through the year to make sure that over 100 children from some of the areas most needy families had a brighter Christmas. Each child received a gift and a chance to meet with Santa, along with a bag of treats to take home. After meeting with Santa there were snacks and refreshments available for the kids and their families.

Speaking on the party Local 776 President Ed Thompson commented, “Being a service organization the Local has a responsibility to our members in the workplace as well as a responsibility to the members of our community. Helping these kids have a brighter holiday is one way we give back to the community. I would like to thank the members of the committee who put a lot of time and effort into making this event happen and also a thank you to Stroehmann/ Maier’s Bakery and Canteen Foods Corp. for their generous contributions that helped filled the “goodie bags” for the Kids”.

The gifts are ready...

Santa is ready...

The treats are ready...

The "goodie bags" are ready...

Let's bring on the kids!

To view additional photos from the party please visit the Photo Gallery

On November 18, 2015 The Local 776 Sysco Foods organizing committee delivered the petition for an NLRB representation election to Sysco officials. In the wake of the company's refusal of the organizing petition here's what other Teamsters as well as Sysco workers are saying about the election campaign:

Dear Sysco Co-worker: 

Sysco workers in Ventura, California who belong to Teamsters Local 186 have produced a video showing their strong support for us as we work to form our union here in Harrisburg. While management tells us lies, we get the truth from our brothers in California. 

On November 18, 2015 Drivers from Sysco Foods banded together and delivered their petition for an NLRB election to management at Sysco Central Pennsylvania. The Sysco drivers organizing committee along with Local 776 President Ed Thompson, Local 776 organizers, and Business Agents were met at the door by Sysco Central Pennsylvania President Ralph Freije who refused to accept the petition from the committee and kicked it across the floor. With management like this, its no surprise these brave drivers want change. Way to go guys! To view a video of the petition delivery follow the link below:

Teamsters Local 776's Annual Children's Christmas Party will be held on Deceber 12, 2015 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Santa will be there, along with face painters, and food and gifts for all! Please follow the link below for details concerning the party!

Children's Christmas Party

On November 10^th 2015 Teamsters Local 776 participated in the FedEx Freight National Day of Action. Local 776 has three FedEx Freight facilities in our jurisdiction. During this Day of Action the Officers and Business Agents of Local 776 hand billed all three facilities to offer support to the FedEx employees who want to organize.

For more information concerning the Teamsters organizing campaign at FedEx Freight follow the link below:

FedEx Organizing