April 14, 2024, marked another milestone in Local 776’s illustrious history. Our new Union Hall in Camp Hill, PA was dedicated during the monthly meeting.

Local 776 President Ed Thompson summarized several highlights from the Local’s history. “Our Local was chartered in 1937.  From 1937 until 1956 the Local occupied various locations as it grew. Then for the next sixty-six years from 1957 through 2023, we called 2552 Jefferson Street or Jefferson & Radnor home. This is the Union Hall most of us came up in. Some of our former Leaders are with us today, the leadership they offered helped make our new Union Hall possible. I would like Local 776 Secretary-Treasurer Ron Hicks to speak on the financial aspect of purchasing the new building.”

“When we first came into office, we knew we had to address the issue of a Union Hall that was in constant need of repair. Working with Bill Gladstone, a commercial real estate agent from NAICIR, we looked at several properties before being introduced to the people at the PA Farm Bureau, who were also working with Bill to find a smaller location for their needs. We were able to sell our properties at the Jefferson Street location with the help of Bill and settled on the property the day after we moved out. When we first assumed office there was just over 4.3 million dollars in total assets, and today we sit at just over 10.7 million dollars in total assets, with zero debt, and have a Union Hall that will serve our members for many years to come.”

Ed continued with the program: “Along with our former leaders we have in attendance Bill Hamilton. Bill wears many hats; serving as IBT Eastern Region VP, President PA Conference, President JC 53, President Local 107, and Director of the DHL Express Division.” Bill spoke to the Members about the importance Local 776 plays as the largest Teamster Local in PA. Our financial strength allows us to take on employers when they wrongfully attack our members by trying to circumvent their CBA and their legal rights. This strength also allows us to have a building the Members can be proud of. In closing Bill thanked the members for supporting their Local Union Officers and Agents.

Bill Hamilton addresses the Membership.

To memorialize the dedication of the new Union Hall the Local Union had a commemorative coin struck signifying the event. One side of the coin contains the image of the previous Union Hall with the dates it was occupied, and the reverse side contains the image of the new Hall with the dedication date. The coins were distributed to the Members and guests in attendance.

Afterward, it was time to eat, with lunch being provided by Up in Smoke BBQ. And what better way to wash all that good food down than with a PA Farm Show Milk Shake! The PA Dairyman’s Association was on hand to make sure nobody left thirsty!

Members, Guests, Officers, and Agents gathered to dedicate the new Union Hall.

You can't go wrong with BBQ and a milkshake!

While Attending the PA Conference of Teamsters Convention, Local 776 President Ed Thompson and Local 8 President Jon Light discussed the upcoming negotiations Local 8 would be entering with Penn State University. Teamsters Local Union 8 represents 2,700 working men and women employed at Penn State University, including over 20 commonwealth campuses throughout Pennsylvania. They are Technical Service employees who work in custodial service, hospitality service, food service, housing service, trades, science, athletics, agriculture, research, printing, engineering, transportation, airport services, ITS, and media. The Members provide 24-hour essential services for Penn State University to operate daily.

Negotiations were scheduled to begin on May 2; Local 8 had a rally planned outside the resort where negotiations were being held and Jon asked Ed if the Local’s truck could be sent to the rally as a show of support for the PSU Members. Never one to back down Ed immediately got the “wheels” turning to make sure the truck would be there for the Local 8 Members.

Local 776 Member Austin O’Brien took time from his weekly work schedule to drive the truck to State College, accompanied by Local 776 Organizer Ashley Cerzullo. Also supporting the PSU Teamster Members on Thursday were local State Representatives Scott Conklin, D-Rush Township, and Paul Takac, D-College Township.

Local 8 President Jon Light (R) and State Representative Scott Conklin address the PSU Teamster Members.

For more information on the PSU rally follow the link below:

https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/education/penn-state/article288226990.html

It’s that time of the year again; the snow shovels have been put away, the days are getting longer, and summer is not far off. Again this year Local 776 will be having our Family Picnic at Knoebels Amusement Park! See below for full details to help make the day a success!

Yellow Corp. Teamster Members: Please see below for important news from the IBT concerning the Yellow Corp. Bankruptcy Proceedings: