Dan Beam has been a dairy worker and a Teamster member for 25 years. Instead of looking forward to retirement, he’s worried if he’ll be able to retire at all because the pension he’s paid into his whole career is on the verge of collapse. Brother Beam is not alone.

Thankfully, the Democratic leaders in Congress are moving forward with a plan to deliver on a promise to members and retirees that are relying on a fix to the multiemployer pension crisis.

Teamsters have fought for years to protect our pensions. Now we are closer than we have ever been and we have leaders in the House, Senate and White House to get the job done. However, we will need to stand together to deliver on this promise to Teamster retirees. This week, the House Ways and Means Committee is considering the Butch Lewis Emergency Pension Plan Relief Act of 2021 as part of the broader COVID relief package. Chairman Richie Neal (D-MA) has been a champion for this fix. We need to remind all committee members that protecting seniors’ retirements is not a partisan issue and encourage them to vote to include pension relief in this bill. Once the bill clears the committee, it will be voted on by the full House and then considered by the Senate as part of the full COVID relief stimulus package on its way to the White House for President Biden’s signature. Stay tuned because we will need to mobilize to make sure every member hears loud and clear that we expect them to deliver for us. The best way to stay informed is to sign the Build Back Stronger pledge by following the link below and be ready to do your part to save the pensions we’ve earned.

https://teamster.org/build-back-stronger

The retirements of more than 1.4 million members and retirees are on the line. We played by the rules, and are only asking for the promises that were made are kept. Thanks to the role Teamsters played in electing leaders that put workers first, we have the chance to protect our pensions once and for all. As America’s strongest union, we have the power to create real change. Pledge to Build Back Stronger and let’s deliver for working people!

UPS does not let a little bad weather stop them; so when a recent snowstorm left 12”/14” of snow on the ground it was business as usual for the package car drivers. Five drivers from the UPS package center in Carlisle, PA had important deliveries to make on Wednesday February 3^rd: COVID-19 vaccine. Local 776 Business Agent Dave Licht was at the center that morning to observe how the packages of vaccine moved through the building separate from the rest of the packages for delivery that day to make sure the vaccine got to the right driver on that route for the day. “I’m proud in how our UPS members are playing a vital role in getting the vaccine delivered on time”, commented Licht. “In less than ideal conditions all our members stepped up and did their part to make sure the vaccine got through the delivery system on time and out for delivery on the designated day”

Dave was able to get a photo of the drivers as they headed to their delivery vehicles with the all important COVID-19 vaccine. L-R: Issac Nell, Charle Rodriguez, Richard Moore, John Anderson, and Chris Brasington .

The James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship application deadline is March 1, 2021. Additionally the application deadline for Local 776 scholarships is March 31, 2021. Full details on all of the scholarship opportunities for qualifying dependents of Teamster members may be found under the “Member Resources” page of the website.

UPS has announced the sale of UPS Freight to TFI International, Inc. Full details can be found below:

On Friday January 15, 2021, Local 776 President Ed Thompson responded to a request from Teamsters Local 107 and Joint Council President Bill Hamilton to assist Local 107 with a showing of solidarity at DHL Express in Philadelphia. DHL had unjustly fired 14 employees in violation of the contract. Local 25 President Sean O’Brien also participated by sending the Joint Council 10 (New England) truck to join the trucks from Local 107 and Local 776. Through this action, the 14 Teamsters that were unjustly terminated were reinstated and made whole for all of their losses. Local 776 is proud to have been a part in this very effective showing of solidarity and remains committed to the mission of people helping people.

Local 776's truck led the way at the DHL Express facility

The Teamster "Rat" was on hand to stand in solidarity with Teamster Members at DHL

Our Truck says it all.....

Recently Local 776 mailed the latest issue of our Newsletter, "The 776 Review" to the members. If yours was lost in the mail, or mistakenly thrown out with the holiday trash, you can download, view, and print a copy for yourself by navigating to the "Downloads" page under "Member Resources".

Please see below for an important message from the IBT concerning the upcoming IBT Convention:

The January Membership Meeting will be held on Sunday January 10, 2021. The meeting will be held at the Harrisburg Union Hall  commencing at 10:00 AM.

Additionally There will be a Stewards Meeting on Saturday January 9, 2021. The meeting will be held at the Harrisburg Union Hall  commencing at 10:00 AM.

At the conclusion of the Local’s Christmas for Kids drive thru there were some extra presents remaining. The Local decided to help Santa with Christmas wishes by donating the toys to area agencies.

1. Join Hands Ministry: Join Hands is a contact and support center for Perry County residents, who are seeking assistance with daily living concerns.

Local 776 BA Dave Licht with Join Hands staff

2. Harrisburg Area YMCA Camp Curtain: The YMCA’s Camp Curtain is committed to the healthy development of children and teens through a broad range of programs that capture the imagination, instill positive values, build self-esteem and teach fundamental skills.

Local 776 BA Dave Vrona prsents Camp Curtain staff with donated gifts

3. York Area YWCA Access York: YWCA York provides emergency shelter for victims and their dependent children fleeing imminent danger.

Local 776 BA Dave Wolf with the YWCA's Miss Katelyn and Mileena.

4. York Union Lutheran Church: Union Lutheran Church is an inner city church in York sharing the Good News of Jesus with their neighbors.

Local 776 West York PD Member Bree Wilson picking up the gifts for York Union Lutheran Chuch from Local 776 BA Bill Olmeda.

“During this season of caring, season of sharing the Local remains committed to supporting the communities where our members live and work” commented Local President Ed Thompson. “From our community services Christmas project in York to helping these organizations it’s all about People Helping People”.

Gifts and Goodie Bags; it must be Christmas!

On Saturday December 19, 2020, Local 776 hosted our annual Christmas for Kids Community Services Christmas Party: with a little different look. Due to Covid-19 concerns the party was held as a drive-thru for families to stop by, receive gifts and goodie bags from Santa, and share in the season. Santa and his “Elves” were busy making sure the right gifts got in the right vehicles and with the kids’ smiling faces and the snow on the ground, it certainly looked like Christmas! “We are fortunate to have so much, this year more so than other years it’s important to help those in need share in the season. For some of these kids this is their Christmas, and we try hard to help as many as possible,” commented Local 776 President Ed Thompson. “I would like to thank the Christmas for Kids Community Services Christmas Party Committee Members and also the Teamster Horsemen for all their hard work in putting this event together. Additionally I would like to thank the IBT for donating the children’s book, “Oats and Roses”, which were included in the goodie bags, and our represented employers; Bimbo Bakeries and Canteen Vending Services, for their donations to help make the party a success.”

A big smile for Santa!

Santa was busy directing his "Elves!

A smile for Santa as he delivers Christmas Cheer!

To view additional photos from the Christmas for Kids Drive Thru please visit the Photo Gallery.