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TEAMSTERS VOTE!
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
Every three to five years or so, the International, in Washington, sends an Internal Auditor out to each Local to do an extensive review to ensure there are no improper expenditures, failures to obtain approvals or other violations of the union’s bylaws and/or the International Constitution. In the early spring, we endured our regular review and I am happy to report, overall it was very successful.
The audit made me think about my position as Secretary-Treasurer over the last five years and thinking back, I have to admit, that in 2015, when I experienced my first Internal Audit as Secretary- Treasurer, I was a little nervous…. Not because I feared we were doing anything wrong, but more of a fear of the unknown. What did the audit involve? Was I going to be able to answer questions about the work of my predecessors? …etc. That first audit was long and arduous, but a great learning experience overall that tremendously prepared me for our most recent audit.
I learned the importance of maintaining good records with good back up documentation and I learned the importance of keeping the Board involved in many decisions and discussions regarding our financial situation and where to go moving forward. The Secretary-Treasurer’s function is the union’s administrative backbone. And for me, doing the job right is absolutely essential — not only because of the legal requirements concerning accounting, taxes and reporting, but also because it maintains our integrity and financial health.
I do, however, view the role of Secretary-Treasurer as much more than just “keeping track of the money”. While the title of “treasurer” clearly conveys my financial responsibilities, meeting with and working for you, our members, and understanding your needs and how they are intertwined with the overall mission of our organization, is absolutely an essential part of being a good treasurer.
I just wanted to take the time to let you know that the Secretary-Treasurer position of this Local is an important responsibility that I do not take for granted and I am honored to be able to serve.
The deadline for applications will be March 1, 2021.
Eligibility: For the sons, daughters and financial dependents of Teamster members (including the BMWED, BLET, GCC and TCRC). 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.’”
President Bulgaro swore in third generation Teamster Michael Mossey Jr who works for Pepsi. HIs father Michael Sr., who works for New Penn, was there to witness the ceremony. Michael's grandfather, Richard, worked for Red Star. Welcome Michael!!!
Pictured below from left to right: Michael Jr, President Bulgaro, Shop Steward Joe Mahar, and Michael Sr.
UPS (Stanley Building) delivered the first 80,000 COVID 19 vaccines to Albany Medical Center.
Pictured is Capital South Driver Michael Sagendorf (Left), Albany Medical Center receiving Supervisor Dave Ravenna (Center), and UPS On-Road Supervisor Mark Thomas (Right).
Some of our Teamster brothers participated in a Truck Convoy called Fuel up for Finn. Finn is a 5 year old from Fort Ann that has been diagnosed with leukemia and has a passion for trucks. Some of our Teamsters stepped up to represent what we're all about.
Our brothers from UPS Glens Falls, Matt Bailey, Craig Brown, Austin Daniels and Brad Ordway, drove the UPS trucks.
Brian Delaguerra, UPS driver from Poughkeepsie and a 294 Steward is currently in our CDL Training Program. Tony Sidoti is a top notch trainer and has graduated many members, helping them get better careers. This training is free to our members and there is a waiting list. If you are interested in this program call (518)-489-5436 to sign up.
Good Luck Brian.
Teamsters from Albany County Corrections recently voted in a new Shop Steward and Assistant Shop Steward. Captain Tim Woods, 23+ year employee, has been the Shop Steward for 10 years. Lieutenant Josh Sherman was voted the new Shop Steward and Billy Carhardt the new Assistant Shop Steward. Tim says "It's been a pleasure taking an active role in our union.
Teamsters Local 294 Welcomes the Town of Claverack Highway Department as they recently won their first Union Contract!
"Our brothers saw raises across the board as well as a significant boost in the starting wage, increased paid time off and major Health care and retirement protections.
Read More...
The Town of Mohawk recently ratified their new 3 year contract. With this contract they maintained all benefits and increases in pay for each of the 3 years.
Pictured below from left to right: Shop Steward Randal Hart, Highway Superintendent Bill Holvig and Shop Steward Mark Wilmont
Congratulations Brothers.
Read More...
Town of Jefferson Highway Dept
Many times the people behind the scenes are the unsung heroes that don’t get any recognition. Well in the Town of Jefferson the residents really love our Teamster brothers at the Highway Dept. They appreciate the work they do on the town roads and wanted to recognize them for a job well done.
Read More...
First Student Catskill Ratifies New Contract!!
Contract Negotiations for First Student Catskill started in July and after several zoom meetings a tentative agreement was reached. Last week our brothers and sisters voted and the contract was ratified. They saw a substantial increase in the starting pay to attract new employees as well as raises across the board.
Read More...
Town of Jackson Highway Dept
Our brothers at the Town of Jackson are new Teamsters who have negotiated and ratified their first contract alongside Business Agent Rocco Losavio. This 3 year contract saw a significant boost in wages and benefits. We welcome Richard Bentley, Daniel Carney, Dean Catellier and Jeffrey Ruggles to the Teamster family.
Congratulations on the ratified contract.
Read More...
Business Agent Mike Degano reviews the recently negotiated contract with our brothers at the Chatham Highway Dept. The 3 year contract has significant increases in wages, benefits and working conditions. The negotiating team was led by John Blasi, Rich and Ken O'Dell.
Pictured below: John, Rich, Gary Wheeler, Brad Miteen, Bill Magill, Lance Gerber and Eric Coons.
Read More...
Town of Perth Highway Dept ratifies contract!
Our Teamster brothers from the Town of Perth recently ratified a new contract. “Both sides unanimously agreed to the generous economic package” says Shop Steward Rich Wallace. Pictured below from left to right: Jacob Elrod, Rich Wallace, Dan Austro and Richard Wallace.
Read More...
Teamsters Local 294 welcomes the Town of Taghkanic Highway Department:
Town of Taghkanic Highway Department recently just approved their first Union Contract.
Read More...
Ed Diffley, a UPS driver out of Hudson recently retired with 30 years with the company. "This was a great job and I enjoyed the work, I'll miss my co-workers and my customers. I'll be leaving here with a great pension and health benefits which gives me a peace of mind" says Ed Diffley. Jeff Kritzman, Shop Steward says "Ed was a solid union member and an effortless worker.
Read More...
Julie Henry, a UPS Amsterdam Preloader, has retired with 33 years of service. President John Bulgaro and Secretary Treasurer Tom Quackenbush were there for the celebration as well as Shop Stewards Joe Rackmyre and Jeff Palmerino.
Joe and Jeff say, "Julie played a huge role in our building for over 33 years. She was always there to help out and was extremely dependable when called upon.
Read More...
Essential Workers .....Town of Copake Highway Dept.
It was business as usual for these Teamsters during the COVID 19 crisis making sure roads were safe. It was also safer for them due to the stay at home order.
We Thank You.
Read More...
Our Teamster sister, Susan Acquilla, a UPS driver out of Amsterdam recently retired with 30 years of service. Shop Stewards Jeff Palmerino and Joe Rackmyre congratulate her and wish her the best in the next chapter of her life. “Suzy is a terrific coworker and one of the hardest workers in the building, we wish her a happy and healthy retirement! “ says Palmerino.
Read More...
Teamsters Essential Workers -
The Town of Ghent Highway Dept out working on a roadway in a snowstorm in order to ensure people are safe. They also are keeping each other safe by wearing their masks and maintaining social distance.
Thank you Brothers.
Read More...
Teamsters Local 294 Welcomes the Town of Claverack Highway Department as they recently won their first Union Contract!
"Our brothers saw raises across the board as well as a significant boost in the starting wage, increased paid time off and major Health care and retirement protections. Read More...
The Town of Mohawk recently ratified their new 3 year contract. With this contract they maintained all benefits and increases in pay for each of the 3 years.
Pictured below from left to right: Shop Steward Randal Hart, Highway Superintendent Bill Holvig and Shop Steward Mark Wilmont
Congratulations Brothers. Read More...
Town of Jefferson Highway Dept
Many times the people behind the scenes are the unsung heroes that don’t get any recognition. Well in the Town of Jefferson the residents really love our Teamster brothers at the Highway Dept. They appreciate the work they do on the town roads and wanted to recognize them for a job well done. Read More...
First Student Catskill Ratifies New Contract!!
Contract Negotiations for First Student Catskill started in July and after several zoom meetings a tentative agreement was reached. Last week our brothers and sisters voted and the contract was ratified. They saw a substantial increase in the starting pay to attract new employees as well as raises across the board. Read More...
Town of Jackson Highway Dept
Our brothers at the Town of Jackson are new Teamsters who have negotiated and ratified their first contract alongside Business Agent Rocco Losavio. This 3 year contract saw a significant boost in wages and benefits. We welcome Richard Bentley, Daniel Carney, Dean Catellier and Jeffrey Ruggles to the Teamster family.
Congratulations on the ratified contract. Read More...
Business Agent Mike Degano reviews the recently negotiated contract with our brothers at the Chatham Highway Dept. The 3 year contract has significant increases in wages, benefits and working conditions. The negotiating team was led by John Blasi, Rich and Ken O'Dell.
Pictured below: John, Rich, Gary Wheeler, Brad Miteen, Bill Magill, Lance Gerber and Eric Coons. Read More...
Town of Perth Highway Dept ratifies contract!
Our Teamster brothers from the Town of Perth recently ratified a new contract. “Both sides unanimously agreed to the generous economic package” says Shop Steward Rich Wallace. Pictured below from left to right: Jacob Elrod, Rich Wallace, Dan Austro and Richard Wallace. Read More...
Teamsters Local 294 welcomes the Town of Taghkanic Highway Department:
Town of Taghkanic Highway Department recently just approved their first Union Contract. Read More...
Ed Diffley, a UPS driver out of Hudson recently retired with 30 years with the company. "This was a great job and I enjoyed the work, I'll miss my co-workers and my customers. I'll be leaving here with a great pension and health benefits which gives me a peace of mind" says Ed Diffley. Jeff Kritzman, Shop Steward says "Ed was a solid union member and an effortless worker. Read More...
Julie Henry, a UPS Amsterdam Preloader, has retired with 33 years of service. President John Bulgaro and Secretary Treasurer Tom Quackenbush were there for the celebration as well as Shop Stewards Joe Rackmyre and Jeff Palmerino.
Joe and Jeff say, "Julie played a huge role in our building for over 33 years. She was always there to help out and was extremely dependable when called upon. Read More...
Essential Workers .....Town of Copake Highway Dept.
It was business as usual for these Teamsters during the COVID 19 crisis making sure roads were safe. It was also safer for them due to the stay at home order.
We Thank You. Read More...
Our Teamster sister, Susan Acquilla, a UPS driver out of Amsterdam recently retired with 30 years of service. Shop Stewards Jeff Palmerino and Joe Rackmyre congratulate her and wish her the best in the next chapter of her life. “Suzy is a terrific coworker and one of the hardest workers in the building, we wish her a happy and healthy retirement! “ says Palmerino. Read More...
Teamsters Essential Workers -
The Town of Ghent Highway Dept out working on a roadway in a snowstorm in order to ensure people are safe. They also are keeping each other safe by wearing their masks and maintaining social distance.
Thank you Brothers. 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.
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 10:00am. All members are urged to show their support for their Union by attending these monthly meetings. The following is the General Membership Meetings scheduled for the remainder of 2020.
January 5, 2020
February 2, 2020
March 1, 2020
April 5, 2020 - CANCELLED
May 3, 2020
June 7,2020
Oct 4,2020
Nov 1, 2020
Dec TBD
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 is monitoring the ongoing Corona virus (COVID-19) crisis and is committed to providing representation of our members and their families during this difficult time. It is our top priority that our members can preform their jobs in a safe working environment while ensuring that every member is provided basic economic security and protections during this crisis.
Read More...
Teamsters Local 294 Women's Committe
Teamsters Local 294 Womens Committee will be meeting on October 6, 2019 at 9:00am in the new conference room. All 294 Women are encouraged to attend and participate, at this months meeting. The discussion will be the upcoming Women's committee events for 2019 and 2020.
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...
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 10:00am. All members are urged to show their support for their Union by attending these monthly meetings. The following is the General Membership Meetings scheduled for the remainder of 2020.
January 5, 2020
February 2, 2020
March 1, 2020
April 5, 2020 - CANCELLED
May 3, 2020
June 7,2020
Oct 4,2020
Nov 1, 2020
Dec TBD
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 is monitoring the ongoing Corona virus (COVID-19) crisis and is committed to providing representation of our members and their families during this difficult time. It is our top priority that our members can preform their jobs in a safe working environment while ensuring that every member is provided basic economic security and protections during this crisis.
Read More...
Teamsters Local 294 Women's Committe
Teamsters Local 294 Womens Committee will be meeting on October 6, 2019 at 9:00am in the new conference room. All 294 Women are encouraged to attend and participate, at this months meeting. The discussion will be the upcoming Women's committee events for 2019 and 2020. 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
