Wednesday, November 11, is Veterans Day, when we honor Americans who have served to preserve our freedom.  On behalf of the Officers, Business Agents, staff, and myself, I would like to wish all Veterans a Happy Veterans Day. Because of your service to our great country, we are able to enjoy the freedoms and rights that make this country great. Thank you for your bravery, courage, and dedication in keeping our country free.

Fraternally,

Ed Thompson,

President Teamsters Local 776

NAVISTAR UNION MEMBERS – ON STRIKE!

Local 776 Union Members went on strike November 4^th, 2020 at the Navistar, Inc. parts distribution center located in Manchester PA.

The 2016-2020 contract expired October 31^st, contract negotiations ended abruptly October 28^th after the Company submitted a last, best, and final offer. The offer was rejected by 88% of the voting members on November 2^nd.

The Company arrived at the bargaining table with several extreme proposals, including proposals that would eliminate the number of Union Stewards, past practices and contract language in an effort to revamp work rules that have been in place and existed in several previous contracts.

Local 776 Business Agent Spencer Dearth stated, “Over the course of several bargaining sessions, the Union Negotiating Committee worked hard to reach an agreement with Navistar for a new collective bargaining agreement. Unfortunately, we were not able to reach an agreement and several open issues remain open, including health insurance, wages, and general work rules.”

The Parties to the negotiations remained far apart on several economic issues and Navistar was slow to move off some of the more extreme proposals and in the end included previously withdrawn proposals in the last, best, and final offer. The Union will remain available to meet with the Company to resume negotiations.

The Navistar parts distribution center employs approximately 60 warehouse and maintenance workers who are taking part in the work stoppage.

Enought is Enough! Local 776 Members employed by Navistar, Inc. stand in solidarity as they walk the picket line at Navistar.

Teamster Horsemen Chapter 53W is partnering with the York County Harley-Davidson Owners Association to make Christmas a little brighter for kids at the Hershey Medical Center Children's Hospital. The Association has an annual toy run to Hershey at Christmas; this year due to COVID-19 guidelines it’s not possible to get on the grounds of the Medical Center and stage the bikes to stay within state guidelines. This year the association has modified the program to still support the kids and are having a “No Run Toy Run”. November 7, 2020 is the date for a drive through donation event to collect toys for the kids. Hershey Medical has provided a wish list of items for the kids; full details can be found by following the link below:

2020 No Run Toy Run

On November 7 members of Teamster Horsemen Chapter 53W will meet at the Harrisburg Union Hall, collect the donated items, and ride as a group to the Sam’s Club parking area in York, the site of the toy donation area, where they will add their items to the collection for the Medical Center.

All members of Teamster Horsemen are invited to attend. Are you a member of the Teamsters but not a member of the Horsemen? This would be the perfect time to meet the Horsemen, find out who they are, what they are about, and go for a ride with them, all the while helping a worthy cause. Anyone wishing to donate needed items is asked to bring them to the Harrisburg Union Hall prior to November 7^th. If you plan to ride along as a member or guest of Chapter 53W bring your donation(s) with you and meet at the Hall by 9:30 AM on the 7^th. For more details or any questions please contact Teamster Horsemen Chapter 53W President Rob Smiley at 717649-4856.

Please find it in your hearts to help support this worthy cause so the kids who can’t be home for Christmas have a brighter Holiday.

Fraternally,

Rob Smiley, Chapter 53W President

Help the Teamster Horsement help the kids at the Hershey Medical Center Children's Hospital!

The nights are getting longer; the days getting cooler, but Local 776 has your back. Just in time for the colder months Local 776 has received a shipment of insulated, pull-over or zip-up hoodies. These American made products are available in the following sizes: LG, XL, and 2XL to 5XL. Display your Teamster Pride while staying warm in one of these hoodies. The price of the hoodies ranges from $65-$77, depending on the size. To top off your Teamster Pride hoodie there are still baseball caps available also. The hoodies and caps are available at the Harrisburg Union Hall during normal business hours. Be warm this winter, be stylish and let everyone know you’re Proud to be a Teamster!

Show your Teamster Pride!

VICTORY AT MV TRANSPORTATION, LOWELL MA

Teamsters Local 776 Business Agent Spencer Dearth joined striking workers from Teamsters Local 170  on the picket line at MV Transportation on October 15^th. The 13 Teamster drivers from Local 170, who struck MV Transportation on October 5^th, were seeking fair and equitable treatment and affordable healthcare. The company provides paratransit services for Lowell, MA, and the surrounding communities.

After 11 days on strike, the members ratified a new three-year agreement on October

16^th. Highlights of the new agreement include mandatory contributions to the

Teamsters Savings andInvestment plan, a wage increases of $1.25/hour in the first

year and three percent in the second and third years, and a 40-hour guarantee.

Local 776 Business Agent Spencer Dearth (2nd from right) joins the Local 170 Members in a show of Union Solidarity.

On October 15, 2020 the ballots for the Local 776 Officers and Agents Election were tabulated. In voting conducted and certified by TrueBallot, Inc. the results are as follows:

Long time Teamster Dennis Gopear retired from Newberry Twp on Sept 30, 2020. Dennis has been a Teamster for 29 years and 7 months. He is 73 years of age and looks forward to spending time with family. Dennis was also a long time Union Steward with Teamsters Local 430.

From everyone at Local 776 congratulations on your retirement Dennis!

Dennis receives his Teamsters Local 776 watch and congratulations from Local 776 BA Bill Olmeda!

On June 1, 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) revised four provisions of the hours of service regulations to provide greater flexibility for drivers without adversely affecting safety. Motor carriers are required to comply with the new HOS regulations starting on September 29, 2020.

For more information on each revised provision follow the link below:

FMCSA Fact Sheet

After a long hot summer in the sun is your favorite Teamster cap a little faded, maybe rough around the edges? If so we can help you out; the Local has a very limited quantity of fitted flex hats available in sizes LG/XL and also 2XL. The hats are available in Gray, Black, and Blue for $27.00 each; they can be picked up at the Harrisburg Union Hall during normal business hours.

Once again when disaster struck Teamsters local 776 partnered with the American Red Cross to distribute relief supplies to people in need. On August 27 Hurricane Laura made landfall as a category 4 storm with winds of 110 mph and a storm surge up to 15 feet, devastating much of the Louisiana coast.

On August 31^st Jo Brindley, Director of Development for The American Red Cross, contacted Teamsters Local 776 President Ed Thompson inquiring if we were able to assist them in transporting relief supplies to the affected area. Ed responded ‘where and when” and immediately went to work to get the logistics worked out to assist those in need.

Local 776 is fortunate to have dedicated Members we can call on at a moments notice; Greg Hartman and Dave Dehart, drivers from ABF Freight, quickly stepped up to accept the assignment: they were to pick up a load in Hanover, PA at 9:00am Thursday and deliver it to Baton Rouge, LA on Friday at 10:00am.

This was the first long-distance trip for Local 776’s new tractor; everything went well, the pick up and delivery were on time, the equipment worked great and our Drivers were home for their Labor Day cookout!

“I would like to thank Greg and Dave for making time in their schedules to assist the Red Cross in moving the supplies to the devastated area” commented Local 776 President Thompson.

Local 776 Members Greg Hartman (L) and Dave Dehart (R) jumped at the chance to help out and put some "road miles" on the Local's new tractor.

The Placard tells it all....

Upon arrival in Louisiana the truck was quickly unloaded so Greg and Dave could get back home for Labor Day! Thanks again guys from everyone at Local 776!