The Teamsters have 1.2 Million active members nationwide, what the Teamsters need is 1.2 Million Active members that are registered voters and that get to the polls. Are you registered to vote?
From the Desk of Secretary Treasurer Tom Quackenbush
I hope this message finds you and your loved ones healthy and safe! Our Local has had a lot of challenges this past year and one thing I have learned is that Local 294 Teamsters know how to fight the good fight! I was fortunate to be witness to these “fighters”… members who keep our union strong by stepping out of their daily routine to support their coworkers… many times this year. I am talking about our shop stewards and member leaders who understand that our strength is in our unity and solidarity. These are the members who choose to lead, learn, and stand up for fairness at work. They sit through contract negotiations, dispel anti-union misinformation, and constantly organize their peers for strength. They just seem to inherently know that the next generation of workers depend on today’s Teamsters to keep our union strong … just as we depended on the Teamsters that came before us. Think about it for a moment, every place of employment, at one point, had no union. Workers had to fight to change how things were. They risked their jobs and their families' livelihoods to stand together as one. They demanded that their right to negotiate with the employer for wages, working conditions, and benefits be recognized, and they won their fight. We cannot forget these fights. It is important that we all recognize the hard work and dedication of members who step up and become advocates of our union. This keeps us strong and moves us forward. We cannot forget that we stand on the shoulders of our predecessors and it is our duty to preserve, protect and build upon their efforts.
Teamsters Local 294 made good progress at a "meet and greet" with XPO contract negotiators on December 16, a lead up to the start of negotiations on January 25-26.
"We're pleased with the progress we made at this 'meet and greet,' but we recognize that this is early in the process, and we still have a long way to go," said John Bulgaro, President of Local 294. Read More...
The application process is now open for the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund's 2020 college and vocational scholarship programs for the sons, daughters and financial dependents of Teamsters.
Apply for the James R Hoffa Memorial Scholarship today! Deadline is March 1
http://www.jrhmsf. Read More...
Every year Teamsters Care, a non-profit organization established from Local 294, gives out scholarships to the college bound children of Local 294 members.
All money given out is acquired through fundraising efforts held throughout the year and is in no way associated with union dues of Teamsters Local 294.
President John Bulgaro offered his congratulations to all of this year’s scholarship winners. He said in a statement, “These scholarships are providing students the financial assistance and community support they need to attend college and pursue their dreams. By awarding these funds, we are saying ‘We’re behind you.’”
UPS Hudson Circle of Honor
Phil Melino, a 30+ year Teamster has earned the Circle of Honor Award. This award is given to UPS drivers who have driven 25 years in delivery with no accidents. This is a great achievement and not many drivers earn this award. Read More...
Utica City School District Nurses
The 18 nurses in the Utica City School District are finally being recognized as a separate bargaining unit and can now begin negotiating immediately after a 2 year wait. The Teamster nurses wanted to break off from their current unit and negotiate separately with the school district. Read More...
Town of Hartford Highway Dept
Just how important are the employees of the highway dept in your town? When it snows are you able to make it to work? Are the roads in your town maintained to keep your car from possibly being damaged? These workers take care of the things we naturally take for granted. Read More...
When Larry Heine was a working man he drove a truck eight hours a day. He saw his family every night, owned his home, sent both his kids to college, and took his wife on vacation to Hawaii whenever he could land some overtime. As a member of the Teamsters, Heine was guaranteed good health care and a pension. Read More...
Jose DeOliviera, a driver for UPS Amsterdam became an American Citizen on 5/11/2021. Jose, 36, came to the US from Brazil in 2017 to strive for a better life...."The American Dream". He is now married with one child and one on the way. Read More...
"Teamsters Care" - First Student Syracuse
When First Student employee Betty "Queen" Thomas lost her home and all of her belongings to a devastating fire her Teamster coworkers raised $400 for her. The Local's non-profit organization, Teamsters Care, matched the donation for a total of $800. Read More...
Our Women's Committee recently held their first Blood Drive. Giving blood is a cause that Business Chuck Greenfield is committed too and thank you to our rank and file members that came out to support this cause. The next Blood Drive will be in May...hope to see you there.
James Hickey who has been a Teamster for over 30 years has retired from Southern Wine & Liquor. He has worked for several Teamster employers and has worked at Southern Wine since 2007.
Congratulations James.
UPS Hudson
Chris Konow, a full time driver, recently retired with 30 years of service to UPS. He celebrated with his co-workers and Business Agent Mike Degano as well.
Chris says, "To reach the 30 year landmark is not easy and it takes a steadfast commitment trying to do the job safely when we all know there is nothing safe about the job.
South Colonie School District
Diane Irving, a classroom monitor for Special Ed students, has retired from the school district after 22 years. Her co-workers recently celebrated with her and Secretary Treasurer Tom Quackenbush attended to present her with some Teamster retirement gear.
Our Teamster sister looks back on her years working with the students.
Town of Copake Highway Dept
Teamster John Broggi retired from the Town of Copake Highway Dept and his fellow co-workers had a celebration for him. John is retiring with the town with over 30 years of experience.
Congratulations Brother.
Town of Austerlitz Highway Dept Ratifies 1st Contract!!
The Town of Austerlitz highway dept employees were once one of the lowest paid highway depts in Columbia County. That wasn't their #1 reason for deciding to organize and join the Teamsters. They were more concerned about being protected.
Read More...
Pepsi Negotiations
Third time is a charm! The Pepsi Warehouse Teamsters have ratified the most recently negotiated contract which saw an increase in wages and worker protections.
Read More...
The South Colonie Central School District negotiating committee tallied our ratification vote 4/23/21. 88% voter turnout, 84% ratified this agreement that includes, an 11% pay increase, $1000 salary base builder, $4600 in increased and new stipends and and optional zero pay prescription plan (some wanted to stay with the current plan as is).
Read More...
Town of Austerlitz Highway Dept
Our new Teamster brothers have been recognized by the town as a bargaining unit and will be negotiating their first contract soon. Welcome brothers.
Read More...
Empire Merchants Administration
Our sisters at Empire Merchants recently ratified their first contract alongside Business Agent Mike Degano. "It was a hard fought battle that secured great Teamster benefits; wages, health care and retirement" says Degano.
Congratulations and Welcome.
Read More...
At the May General Membership Meeting Brian Dupuis from ABF was sworn in by President John Bulgaro. In attendance were coworker John Weaver and Vice President George Coffey. Welcome to the family Brian.
Read More...
Town of Austerlitz Highway Dept Ratifies 1st Contract!!
The Town of Austerlitz highway dept employees were once one of the lowest paid highway depts in Columbia County. That wasn't their #1 reason for deciding to organize and join the Teamsters. They were more concerned about being protected. Read More...
Pepsi Negotiations
Third time is a charm! The Pepsi Warehouse Teamsters have ratified the most recently negotiated contract which saw an increase in wages and worker protections. Read More...
The South Colonie Central School District negotiating committee tallied our ratification vote 4/23/21. 88% voter turnout, 84% ratified this agreement that includes, an 11% pay increase, $1000 salary base builder, $4600 in increased and new stipends and and optional zero pay prescription plan (some wanted to stay with the current plan as is). Read More...
Town of Austerlitz Highway Dept
Our new Teamster brothers have been recognized by the town as a bargaining unit and will be negotiating their first contract soon. Welcome brothers. Read More...
Empire Merchants Administration
Our sisters at Empire Merchants recently ratified their first contract alongside Business Agent Mike Degano. "It was a hard fought battle that secured great Teamster benefits; wages, health care and retirement" says Degano.
Congratulations and Welcome. Read More...
At the May General Membership Meeting Brian Dupuis from ABF was sworn in by President John Bulgaro. In attendance were coworker John Weaver and Vice President George Coffey. Welcome to the family Brian. Read More...
It is with deep sadness that Teamsters Local 294 announces the loss of long time Teamster, former Vice President and 294 CDL Instructor David Garhartt. Dave was a pillar of strength for the 294 Teamster community, Dave was best known for his proud work with countless students to improve their ability to pursue a career as a Class A driver.
President John Bulgaro says "Our Local lost a good solid Teamster. Dave was a dedicated and loyal 50+ year member who exemplified what it means to be a Teamster. He cared about his brothers and sisters and would unselfishly do what was needed to be done and helped out in anyway that he could. He was a great friend and he will be sorely missed."
Rest Easy Brother.....
Obituary for Teamster David Garhartt
Garhartt, David George Sr. ALBANY David George Garhartt Sr., 73 of Rotterdam, passed away peacefully at home on March 19, 2020, with his loving family by his side. Born in Albany in 1947, he was the son of the late George and Muriel Garhartt. David married his high school sweetheart Caroline in 1964. He proudly served in the United States Army and he was a member of Teamster Local 294 for 50 years serving as vice president and senior driving instructor for their driving school. David was also a member of the Teamster Care Program for over 35 years. He believed in helping others to make their lives better for themselves and their families and never asked for anything in return. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Sonie O'Donnell. David is survived by his wife of 55 years, Caroline Garhartt; daughter Kimberly Tompkins (Tom); son David Garhartt Jr. (Jen); and grandchildren, David Garhartt III, Samantha Tompkins, Dylan Garhartt and Delaney Garhartt. David also came from a large family of brothers and sisters, Ross Garhartt (Leon), Richard Garhartt (Linda), Gene Garhartt (Karen), Ronnie Garhartt, LuAnn Burgess (John), Robin Garhartt (Patricia), Tammy LaFountaine and Randy Garhartt. He also is survived by several nieces and nephews. The family would like to send a special thank you to all the staff at St. Peter's Oncology Department and Community Hospice for their kindness, compassion and extraordinary care they provided to David and the family. Due to the restrictions in place regarding gatherings, services will be private. A memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to either the local animal protective foundations, Mohawk Hudson Humane Society or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
A Message from President Bulgaro
It is hard to believe it is 2021. After a year like no other, a year that has tested us all; we, as brothers and sisters, stood together to fight through the challenges this pandemic has created. We watched coworkers, close friends and family members fall ill and sadly mourned the loss of those taken away. We faced many fears and unknowns along the way, but we persevered. There were times when a brighter future seemed so far away, but now I believe we are finally starting to see a small shred of light at the end of this tunnel. I am pleased to say that the optimism for organized labor is better this year than it has ever been. Recent prolabor decisions at the Nation’s highest level, like the replacement of an anti-union, sitting general counsel at the NLRB and a Secretary of Labor choice who comes right out of the labor movement have all gotten this year off on the right foot.
Read More...
Our Local Union’s General Membership Meetings are held the first Sunday of every month, however, they are suspended for the summer months. Meetings are held at the Labor Temple, 890 Third Street, Albany, NY and begin promptly at l0:00 am. All members are urged to show support for their Union by attending these monthly meetings.
The following is the General Membership Meeting schedule for the remainder of 2021
January 3, 2021
February 7, 2021
March 7, 2021
April 11, 2021
May 2, 2021
June 6, 2021
October 3, 2021
November 7, 2021
December 5, 2021
(There are no meetings July/August/September)
Read More...
Get a Withdrawal Card when you leave your job! Whether you are leaving your job, being laid off, taking a leave of absence, a lengthy medical leave or terminating your employment, it is your responsibility to obtain a withdrawal card. The charge for a withdrawal card is still only 50 cents and your monthly dues must be paid through the date of your request.
Read More... Download: WITHDRAWAL CARD REQUEST form REVISED.docx
Teamsters Local 294 Women's Committee
Teamsters Local 294 Women's Committee meetings will be held immediately after the General Membership meeting each month. Come join us and get involved in your union! A Women's Place is in Her Union!!
Read More...
Organizing is the life blood of a strong Local Union. Building the strength of the Labor movement by organizing new members into our Union equates to better contracts and worker protections for our members' and their families.
Read More...
A Message from President Bulgaro
It is hard to believe it is 2021. After a year like no other, a year that has tested us all; we, as brothers and sisters, stood together to fight through the challenges this pandemic has created. We watched coworkers, close friends and family members fall ill and sadly mourned the loss of those taken away. We faced many fears and unknowns along the way, but we persevered. There were times when a brighter future seemed so far away, but now I believe we are finally starting to see a small shred of light at the end of this tunnel. I am pleased to say that the optimism for organized labor is better this year than it has ever been. Recent prolabor decisions at the Nation’s highest level, like the replacement of an anti-union, sitting general counsel at the NLRB and a Secretary of Labor choice who comes right out of the labor movement have all gotten this year off on the right foot.
Read More...
Our Local Union’s General Membership Meetings are held the first Sunday of every month, however, they are suspended for the summer months. Meetings are held at the Labor Temple, 890 Third Street, Albany, NY and begin promptly at l0:00 am. All members are urged to show support for their Union by attending these monthly meetings.
The following is the General Membership Meeting schedule for the remainder of 2021
January 3, 2021
February 7, 2021
March 7, 2021
April 11, 2021
May 2, 2021
June 6, 2021
October 3, 2021
November 7, 2021
December 5, 2021
(There are no meetings July/August/September) Read More...
Get a Withdrawal Card when you leave your job! Whether you are leaving your job, being laid off, taking a leave of absence, a lengthy medical leave or terminating your employment, it is your responsibility to obtain a withdrawal card. The charge for a withdrawal card is still only 50 cents and your monthly dues must be paid through the date of your request. Read More... Download: WITHDRAWAL CARD REQUEST form REVISED.docx
Teamsters Local 294 Women's Committee
Teamsters Local 294 Women's Committee meetings will be held immediately after the General Membership meeting each month. Come join us and get involved in your union! A Women's Place is in Her Union!! Read More...
Organizing is the life blood of a strong Local Union. Building the strength of the Labor movement by organizing new members into our Union equates to better contracts and worker protections for our members' and their families. Read More...
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WITHDRAWAL CARD REQUEST form REVISED.docx
