On Tuesday, July 19, 2016 the Newville Borough Council held a special meeting to discuss and vote on the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Newville Police department and Teamsters Local 776. The Police Officers attended an earlier off site meeting and unanimously voted to accept the CBA with 100% participation. After an executive session, the Borough voted unanimously to lay off full-time Officer Wyatt Wagner and then voted to adopt the CBA. There were about 10 people in attendance, including Business Agent Eddie Sutton, and Newville Police Steward Jarreau Dodson. Some of the residents attending asked why the council voted to lay off Officer Wagner and the answer they were given was "it's not open for discussion". Sutton immediately thought this is in retaliation for the Officers seeking Union representation. Business Agent Sutton strongly informed the council members his vehement opposition to this poor decision and that they had to deal with the Teamsters Union. First thing the next morning, Sutton went to see President Ed Thompson to explain what had happened and to tell him his plan. President Thompson responded with "do whatever you have to do". That conversation led to letters being sent to the residents of Newville who are Teamsters, every police officer represented by Local 776 and an email blast sent to the entire membership, asking everyone to come out to the next regularly scheduled Council meeting on July 26. The Teamsters responded in full force. Rich Stover drove the Local's tractor-trailer and parked it in front of the meeting hall, along with the organizing truck driven by Shawn Simpson. The membership gathered near the tractor-trailer. Every council member saw the truck and the Teamsters as they entered the building. The meeting hall was filled, this time there were in excess of 100 people many of whom were Teamsters, including Officers and Agents of the Local. The Borough Council had a change of heart and all of them rose to announce they are big supporters of the Newville Police Department. Council member Joey Diehl rose to apologize to Wagner and the Union and then made a motion to reinstate Officer Wagner. The motion passed unanimously. The Borough Council also agreed to give Wagner back pay and an official letter of apology.

Sutton rose to tell the Borough he was happy with their decision to reinstate officer Wagner and to reiterate Officer Wagner wasn't alone in this fight and as evident by the people in the audience he is now part of the International BROTHERHOOD of Teamsters. After the meeting Sutton remarked "there is no way to thank everyone who attended the meeting to support this Brother in his time of need. They are all true Teamsters in my opinion". President Thompson remarked, "This shows the true power the Teamsters have;  there is no way we could have done this without the support and strength of the membership". Secretary-Treasurer Ron Hicks stated, "Tonight's show of solidarity is why it's called a Brotherhood."

The officers are happy to have Officer Wagner back to work. They are looking forward to putting this behind them so they can concentrate on serving the residents. One thing for sure, if the Council decides they want another fight they will get it.

Teamster Power gathers before the meeting

Filling up the Fire Hall

The council had the crowds attention...

...and the crowd was holding them accountable for their previous action