The events listed on the calendar are accurate at the time of posting. Dates and times of events are subject to change. Any questions concerning the date and time of an event should be directed to the Local Union Hall during normal business hours.
A MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT ED THOMPSON
If you haven’t already done so please take a moment to register as a Local 776 member or retiree.
Teamsters from all across the State came by the bus full to the state Capitol to let lawmakers know that right-to-work (RTW) and paycheck deception measures currently being considered by the Legislature are wrong for all workers in the state. More than 1,000 Teamsters were joined by hundreds of other union members who called upon elected officials not to turn their backs on their constituents by crushing the power of unions while paying employees less and providing fewer benefits as well.
Bill Hamilton, President of the Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters and an IBT international vice president, said legislators need to become wise to what big business is trying to implement in the state. “There is no secret in any state that when right to work is implemented, wages drop and benefits drop,” he said. “Even if you are a non-union member, they drop. It is not a union issue anymore, it is a rights issue. And to take away the unions’ power, and that what this would do, take away the checks and balances we have in this country.”
Gov. Tom Wolf spoke out against the legislation at the rally, denouncing the attack on working Pennsylvanians.
“There is a concerted effort by many at the national and state level to damage working men and women's ability to fight for wages they deserve, benefits they have earned, and protections that are fair,” Gov. Wolf said. “The constant threat of legislation like right to work, like paycheck protection, is an assault on the market and the economy. Any legislation that makes it harder for employees to organize in turn makes it harder for businesses to provide quality products and services to their customers.” “Every worker in Pennsylvania right now has the right in his or her estimation to organize, to join a union, to form a union if a majority of their fellow workers feel that their workplace is not fair, if they feel their workplace is not safe,” Wolf said. “What could be fairer, what could be better for the working people of Pennsylvania than to give them and hold on to that fundamental right? That is what you are talking about today. It is that important. It is not about a special interest, it is not about a narrow group of people who benefit from this.”
Bill Hamilton, President of the Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters was interviewed at the Rally
PA Supreme Court Rules Impairment Rating Evaluations Unconstitutional
Injured workers obtained a significant win before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court this week when the court ruled that a section of the PA Workers' Compensation Act was unconstitutional.
The section had allowed employers and insurance companies to stop wage loss benefits to the most injured workers who were still on workers' compensation 500 weeks after undergoing an Impairment Rating Evaluation (IRE). The law made it nearly impossible for even grievously injured workers to remain on total disability benefits indefinitely.
Impairment rating evaluations were conducted by physicians who were asked to "rate" injuries using the American Medical Association Guide to Whole Body Impairments. If the injury was rated at less than 50%, the injured worker was limited to receiving no more than 500 weeks of disability benefits. Many injured workers had their benefits stopped because their injuries were rated at less than 50%. Many more were compelled to settle their case because of the fear that their benefits would be stopped.
If you underwent an IRE, the certified Workers' Compensation attorneys at Willig, Williams & Davidson are available to evaluate how this court decision affects your entitlement to workers' compensation benefits. For a free consultation about your workers' compensation, call 1-866-413-2667.
To read the full PA Supreme Court decision,click here.
Penn State Football is just around the corner! The Nittany Lions will look to build off of their Big Ten Championship title and Rose Bowl appearance. Back by popular demand will be Organized Labor Ticket Promotions. All Teamsters, including their families and friends, are now able to begin purchasing discounted tickets to the Big Ten home opener against Indiana on September 30th, and Senior Day against Nebraska on November 18th (kick off times are still TBD).
Last year tickets were purchased by Teamsters and union workers throughout the state. To purchase your discounted tickets, click here, or visit www.gopsusports.com/teamster (case sensitive) and use the promo code TEAMSTER. If you are experiencing difficulties with the link, would like to order more than 10 tickets, or to purchase parking, please contact Dave Bittner with Penn State Athletics at 814-863-1109 or at DZB91@PSU.EDU.
The threat of Right to Work legislation has again raised it's ugly head in our State House. Right to Work laws drive down wages and decrease workplace safety. In states that have enacted Right to Work laws, the impact is clear: average annual wages are nearly $5,000 lower, workplace death rates are 52% higher, and the uninsured population is 20% higher.
On Tuesday June 20th Local 776, along with others from across the area, will participate in the rally against Right to Work Legislation in PA. Local 776 will provide shuttle service from the Harrisburg Union Hall to the State Capitol complex. Please be at the Union Hall by 11:00 AM to take advantage of the shuttle service.
Local 776’s family picnic was held on Sunday June 11th at Harrisburg’s FNB field, home of the Harrisburg Senators baseball team. From the Kids Zone to the Skyboxes the stadium was full of Teamsters, their families, and friends having a good time and enjoying themselves. Plenty of food, drinks, and snacks were available below the grandstand as the Zembo Clowns kept everyone laughing! Once the game started the hometown Senators battled hard to win the deciding game in a three game series with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies. The fans were treated to extra baseball as the game went eleven innings before the Senators came up short in the bottom of the 11th inning losing 4-3.
“I’m proud to see so many of our members and their families enjoying themselves at the picnic. This is what it’s all about; family, friends, being able to relax and have a good time.” Commented Local 776 president Ed Thompson.
Teamster Pride!
It's all about the Kids and the Smiles....
Local 776 member "Spanky"
Players call the spot on the bat where you get the most power the "Sweet Spot" This "Sweet Spot" was busy all afternoon with treats!
This fellow visited the "Sweet Spot"
For more photos from the picnic please visit the "Photo Gallery"
Recently a new "member" was added to the ranks of the West York Boro Police Dept. "Prince" a pure-bred Bloodhound was sworn in by District Judge Jennifer J.P. Clancy. Prince will be working with his handler, Officer Scott Musselman, in crimminal investigations, missing persons, and child abductions. For Scott, an 11 year veteran of the dept., this is his first time working with a dog. Both Scott and Prince are undergoing extensive training as a team; Prince will only work with Scott as his handler. Since becoming a member of the dept. Prince and Scott live, eat, and sleep together. Presently Scott and Prince work 1-2 days a week together on patrol, both learning about each other and what is expected from them. When the team is fully trained they will be available to offer assistance to other police departments in York County.
West York Boro Police Officer Scott Musselman and Prince. Prince shows off his Police Dept. Shield!
While on patrol we caught up with Officer Musselman.
L-R: Local 776 BA Bill Olmeda, Officer Musselman, and Prince
On patrol the team of Scott and Prince always attract attention from the residents!
To view a video of Prince's "Swearing In" Follow the link below:
West York Boro is a small municipality, When there it's not hard to see Teamster Members on the job. After visiting with officer Musselman and "Prince" we met two of the members of the West York Firefighters, and three members from the West York Boro Highway Dept.
L-R: West York Boro Codes Enforcement Officer James Hope, Local 776 BA Bill Olmeda, West York Boro Firefighter Eric Heltebridle. The position of Codes Enforcement was recently added to the bargaining unit at the fire dept.
Local 776 members from the West York Boro Highway Dept. L-R: Scott Wilhelm, Highway Dept. Union StewardnJohn Love, Local 776 BA Bill Olmeda, Dylan Anstine.
Local 776 is proud to announce the 2017 winners of two Local 776 scholarships. The winners, selected in a raffle drawing at the May monthly membership meeting are the following:
Roseann Vrabel daughter of Richard Vrabel - a Local 776 member who works at ABF
Brian Shermeyer son of Mark Shermeyer - a Local 776 member who works at UPS.
Congratulations to our two winners! Best of luck as you continue your education. Full details concerning the scholarship opportunities available to Teamster members can be found under "Member Resources"
On April 28, 2017 the York-Adams County Central Labor Council held a Workers Memorial Day Ceremony recognizing those workers killed on the job last year in York and Adams Counties. Keynote speaker for the ceremony was attorney Irwin Aronson. Seven work place deaths occurred in York County in 2016. Every worker has the right to a safe and healthy workplace. The labor movement continues to fight for workers’ health and safety. In Pennsylvania, we are fighting to extend the protections of the Occupational Health and Safety Act to all workers.
Attorney Irwin Aronson stresses workers rights to a safe and healthy workplace
Retired Local 776 Business Agent Kittie Hake memorializes those who lost their lives on the job during the last year.
Recently the York County Youth Development Center held a carnival night. Carnival night was a special night for families of the kids at YDC to come and enjoy some carnival games, inflatable obstacle courses and win prizes. Local 776 provided the hot dogs and sausages for our YDC members, the kids, and their families. A good time was had by all. Local 776 attendees were: Local 776 budiness Agent Business Agent Tim Turek, Trustee Rob Smiley, Organizer Mark Cicak.
There was plenty for the kids to try at the Carnival
Local 776 Business Agent Tim Turek and Local 776 Union Steward Yvonne Minnick
A MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT ED THOMPSON
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