Recently Local 776 Business Agent Dave Wolf was contacted by our Teamsters Local 776 Stewards from Dauphin County Probation Services with concerns about the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) available to them during working hours. The Stewards questioned Dauphin County Court Administration on whether the PPE would be made available to all employees of Probation Services as this COVID-19 Pandemic continues. They were advised PPE would not be provided, however, if the employees feel more comfortable coming to work and wearing a mask they may wear their own mask. When questioned on why Dauphin County was not following the order issued by Secretary of Health Levine, the Stewards were advised the order does not apply to government entities, including the Courts. After checking with other Courthouse Stewards it was found that the Sheriff’s Department is covered with all the PPE they need, but the other members working in the Clerk of Courts, Prothonotary, District Attorney’s Office, etc, have not been provided with any PPE by the County,  

Local 776 President Ed Thompson researched the dilemma and found disposable face masks for our Members working in Dauphin County. The Local also supplied hand sanitizer and gloves to help keep the Members safe.

  President Thompson commented: “We service ninety (90) contracts at Teamsters Local 776 and most of our employers have abided by the order issued by the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health concerning supplying employees with the proper PPE. Dauphin County chose not to and put our members and their families at risk of contracting the virus.  Dauphin County’s actions show the lack of concern for County bargaining unit employees during this Pandemic crisis. Any member who feels their employer is not following the established CDC guidelines for dealing with the Pandemic should immediately contact their Business Agent”

Dauphin County Probation Services Steward Bruce Cutter collects Hand Sanitizer and face masks from Local 776 BA Dave Wolf (L), and Local 776 President Ed Thompson (R).

Dauphin County Courthouse Stewards Nichole Cahill and Donna Coder receiving PPE from Local 776 to distribute to the Members.