Mother Nature reared her ugly head in September as Hurricane Ida devastated the Louisiana Coast exactly 15 years to the day since Hurricane Katrina struck. As the Harrisburg area Red Cross mobilized to aid with relief supplies the call came to Local 776; are you available to move supplies to the affected area? Shortly after the call came in Local 776 members Chalmer Edgin and Darryl Sprague, both ABF road drivers, were off to Utz Foods in Hanover, PA to pick up a load destined for Baton Rouge, LA. Not wasting any time, Chalmer and Darryl left on September 17^th and returned on the 19^th. The supplies went to a Red Cross building in Baton Rouge that was utilized as a receiving and distribution point for the area. Chalmer, who is also a Local 776 Union Steward, commented that at Utz foods, and when stopping for fuel, the drivers received compliments about the truck looking good going down the road, carrying the Local’s message of “People Helping People”.

Commented Local 776 President Ed Thompson “I would like to thank Chalmer and Darryl for a job well done. They are great examples of our members stepping up when it counts, and got the job done quickly and safely”.

Day breaks as our drivers prepare to leave Utz Foods.

The truck placard says it all.

Red Cross Workers Claire and John quickly unload the truck.

Chalmer (L) and Darryl are ready to bring it back home.

From everyone at Local 776 Thanks again guys, Great job!

Tomorrow is your chance to hear from the General Secretary-Treasurer candidates before ballots arrive in October.

Watch as the candidates for Secretary-Treasurer discuss their vision for the union and answer your questions live on September 29 at 8:00pm ET. RSVP now on Facebook to watch the Teamster General Secretary-Treasurer debate LIVE.

I'm going to watch the debate

Make sure you know where the candidates stand on the issues that matter to you. When Teamsters vote, we all win.

In solidarity,

The International Brotherhood of the Teamsters

Photo Courtesy Reuters

On the 20^th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks Never Forget:

…The cowardly acts perpetrated against our country by those who seek to destroy us and our way of life.

…The innocent men, women, and children who lost their lives on this tragic day; only for being in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

…Our courageous first responders; who ran toward the disasters to offer help to those in need and perished while trying to help and serve their fellow Americans.

Most of us can recall where we were that tragic day, what we were doing as we fist got word of the attacks on our country, and stood in shock as we watched the Twin Towers in New York City crumble.

Our Country may have been down, many countries would have crumbled under such crushing blows, but while we watched in horror as the events unfolded before our eyes, our strength and resolve grew and we became a determined people to punish those who promote terrorism and to make sure this tragedy would never happen again.

Please take a moment today to pause and remember those who perished on 9/11. Remember our first responders who face danger daily, finally remember and thank our armed forces; both here at home and deployed around the world ensuring that America remains the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

Fraternally,

Ed Thompson

President, Teamsters Local 776

Photo Courtesy Reuters

After a summer recess, Teamsters Local 776 monthly membership meetings will commence on Sunday, September 12, 2021. The meeting will be held at the Harrisburg Union Hall, beginning at 10:00 AM.

“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; it built our great country. America became a world leader thanks to the men and women who built it. America is stronger when America works.

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. So today, relax at your home, do something fun. Be motivated, stay determined and keep the fire burning within you.”

Fraternally,

Ed Thompson,

President, Teamsters Local 776

Richard L. Trumka, the president of the 12.5-million-member AFL-CIO passed away last week at the age of 72. Trumka, of Nemacolin, Pennsylvania, was a third-generation coal miner, who left for a law degree and came back to fight for his community. In 1982, at the age 33, President Trumka ran on a reform ticket and was elected the youngest president of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA). President Trumka was elected AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer in 1995, and held that post until 2009, when he was elected president. He headed the labor movement’s efforts to create an economy based on broadly shared prosperity and to hold elected officials and employers accountable to working families.

He will be remembered in the White House and the halls of Congress: where he fought on the national stage and walked away with historic legislative victories for workers’ rights and health care. He will be remembered at the United Mine Workers of America: where he refused to back down against Pittston Coal Company and Peabody Coal, winning fair contracts for thousands of mineworkers across the country. In addition, he will be remembered on every picket line, in every fight to better the lives of working people.

At this time, please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.

The Senate is currently considering their version of the bipartisan infrastructure package that is a major policy priority for the Senate, President Biden, and the Teamsters. We need to let senators know that Teamster members like you are in support of this bill.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act represents the greatest investment in the American workforce in over 80 years and will create an average of over 2 million jobs per year over the next decade. As Teamsters, we know that any infrastructure bill before congress needs to make significant and lasting investments in every community before it is worthy of our support. The Senate bipartisan infrastructure bill does just that.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes $550 billion in new federal investment in America’s infrastructure. This includes significant funding for roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports, airports, water and energy infrastructure.

President Biden has been clear that this infrastructure investment must create good union jobs. To that end, the bill includes important labor standards like broad Davis Bacon coverage and a comprehensive Buy America provision to ensure that all taxpayer-funded infrastructure and public works projects are built with American manufactured products and construction materials.

We need your help – email your Senators today and tell them that you support the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. As a Teamster, you know just how important it is to make lasting investments in our nation’s infrastructure. By passing this bill, we will be one step closer to making President Biden’s campaign promise of Building Back Better a reality.

Click HERE to write a letter to your senator today.

Some of Local 776’s finest teed it up on Sunday, August 1, 2021, at Eagles Crossing Golf Course in Carlisle. Members were out to enjoy a day of friendship, food, prizes, and good-natured head-to-head competition. An ominous sky greeted the players as they arrived for the start, but the weather held and a slight cloud cover kept the temperatures down. 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, close to the pin competition, and longest drive. While the scores were tallied, the members enjoyed a steak dinner while they talked about the errant shot, the putt that would not drop, and all things golf.

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 Robert Rife (Retired New Penn). The 50/50 drawing Consolation Prize of an Eagles Crossing Golf Club Gift Card was won by Alfred Cuneo (Retired Red Star).

The winners in their respective categories and their scores were:

Championship Flight:

1st Place with a score of 61: Robert Ingersoll (DCP), Jason Hammer (DCP), Robert Fry (DCP), and Stephen Reidlinger (DCP-Retired)

2nd Place with a score of 63: Douglas Porter (YRC), Lawrence Dynarski (YRC), Tony Robinson (YRC Retired), and Doug Bechtold (YRC)

3rd Place with a score of 64: Jim Handley (New Penn), Robert Rife ( Retired), Lynn Witsel (Retired), and Mike Baten (Retired)

Second Flight:

1st Place with a score of 68: Tim Osbourne (ABF), Juo Ro (ABF), Denny Wilson (ABF Retired), and Mike Kennedy (ABF)

2nd Place with a score of 69: Steve Brudowsky (YRC), Paul Niswonger (YRC Retired), Al Swope (YRC Retired), and Bob Karbowski (YRC Retired)

Because of a tie score, this team was awarded second place based on their score on the highest handicapped hole.

3rd Place with a score of 69: Chris Yinger (T- Force Freight), Kevin Weagle (T- Force Freight), Brian Buckley (T- Force Freight), and Brian Sullivan (T- Force Freight)

Third Flight:

First Place with a score of 73: Kevin Smith (YRC Retired), Keith Nilson (YRC), Ron Robinson (YRC), and John Hubbs (YRC Retired)

Second Place with a score of 74: Jason Myers (Metals USA), Mackenzie Miller (Metals USA), Ryan Potts (Metals USA), and Jared Bryant (Metals USA)

Third Place with a score of 75: Duane Arnold (UPS), Nathaniel Paulus (UPS), Dave Bloss (UPS) and Scott Wynegar (UPS)

Closest to the Pin Hole #3: Tony Robinson (YRC Retired)

Closest to the Pin Hole #7: Doug Bechtold (YRC)

Closest to the Pin Hole #13: Travis Diller (ABF)

Closest to the Pin Hole #16: Tony Robinson (YRC Retired)

Longest Drive Ladies Tees: Hilary Coldwell (Perry County)

Longest Drive Men's Tees: Douglas Porter (YRC)

Longest Drive Senior Tees: John Hubbs (YRC Retired)

50/50 Winner: Robert Rife (Retired)

Eagles Crossing Gift Card: Alfred Cuneo (Retired)

Round of Golf at Eagles Crossing:

Kevin Weagle (T- Force Freight)

Nathaniel Paulus (UPS)

Ken Geesey (UPS)

Will Christian (New Penn)

Registration is always a busy place

Lined up and ready to go!

Eye on the ball!

Awards await the victors!

Additional photos from the tournament can be viewed in the "Photo Galley"!

Recently Local 776 mailed the Summer 2021 edition of the "Local 776 Review" to the membership. If yours was lost in the mail, misplaced at home, or mistakenly thrown out, fear not! The newsletter may be downloaded and viewed by navigating to the "Downloads" section of the Member Resources Page.