I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Executive Board of Local 294 for appointing me as President to lead our Local into the future. As you are aware, the recent retirement of John Bulgaro has left a void to fill and I appreciate the opportunity to serve you. I have been a part of this organization for a long time, starting as a shop steward at UPS, Recording Secretary, Business Agent, Secretary Treasurer and now your President.
In the last 75 years, we have had three Presidents. That is a testament to the strength and resiliency of our organization. I realize the void that needs to be filled and I am up for the challenge. As our newly elected International General President Sean O'Brien says, "We need to get Bigger, Faster, and Stronger".
With the partnership of our Executive Board and our members, I would like to make our organizing efforts a top priority. This will enable us to get "Bigger". To get "Stronger and Faster" we have to involve our younger generation of Teamsters to get involved. Our younger members are the future.
Through the efforts of Business Agent Stan Koniszewski, we have secured two grants totaling $250,000 that will be used to buy a truck and expand our CDL training program to Class B. These types of efforts create new opportunities for our current and future members. Recently, I have had the opportunity to speak with several young Teamsters who are in the process of obtaining their CDL A through our training program and it was exciting to hear their stories.
In closing, I would like to say I'm excited for the future of our International Union as well as our Local Union and look forward to working with you.
With warmer weather on its way, I wish you all a happy and healthy spring and summer.
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CONTRACT RATIFIED!!
Teamsters at Town of Fairfield Highway Department got a tentative agreement on their first contract in their second session of negotiations and unanimously voted YES to ratify. Business Agent Stan Koniszewski said, “members won major wage increases along with other gains across the board. Read More...
CONTRACT RATIFIED! Teamsters at Fitzgerald Brothers in Glens Falls ratified a new 3 year contract that gives members significant wage increases and other gains. Field Representative Rafael Nicosia held a contract vote today where Drivers and Warehouse workers voted in favor! Union strong. Read More...
Teamsters Local 294 Business Agent and Joint Council 18 Political Coordinator Stan Koniszewski testified at a hearing at the New York Assembly – “Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Workforce.” Koniszewski testified on behalf of Joint Councils 16, 18 and and 46 about the safety and workforce implications of driverless vehicles. Read More...
Core-Mark drivers and dispatchers in Amsterdam, NY overwhelmingly voted YES to join Teamsters Local 294 this morning!
Field Representative/ Organizer Jason Hughes said, “These guys stood strong till the end and now we look forward to bringing them a strong 1st contract. We are happy to have these guys part of the Teamster family”. Read More...
Teamsters stand ready to organize workers who want to bargain collectively. There are real advantages to having a union for you as an individual and for society in general. Read More...
The results are in and Local 294 UPS Teamsters voted 98% YES for Strike Authorization! Our members sent UPS a strong message that they are ready to do what it takes to win that strong contract they have earned and deserve. The UPS contract is set to expire July 31, 2023. Read More...
Follow us on all social media for all Local 294 information and updates. Stay up to date with what is going on in your local. See what your executive board is up to and all the members. Interact, connect, ask questions & get involved. Read More...
Teamsters Local 294 President John Bulgaro and Secretary Treasurer Tom Quackenbush presented the Heroes Award to Glens Falls UPS member Matthew Bailey today.
Matt was making deliveries in Granville, NY when he noticed an elderly woman lying in her doorway and was disoriented. Matt quickly called 911 and stayed with the woman until emergency services arrived. Read More...
Herkimer County DPW workers in New York joined Teamsters Local 294 in July and ratified their 1st contract today! Field Representative, Stan Koniszewski, says “members received significant wage increases, increases in longevity, 5 weeks vacation and so much more. Read More...
Local 294 would like to send Congratulationsto Teamsters ABF Freight driver and Shop Steward, Lewis Mackey, of Albany, NY. Lewis has achieved 15,000 hours of accident-free driving. Read More...
Welcome to the Teamsters!! Local 294 would like to welcome Tyler Loud, the newest member of Crainsville Block Co. in Kingston, NY. Tyler is a 2nd generation Teamster and works at the same plant as his father. Field Representative, Stan Koniszewski, says “redi-mix is a tough job, but it is encouraging to see the younger generation getting into trades to provide for their families. Read More...
Welcome to the Teamsters! Local 294 President John Bulgaro swore in new members to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters after the October General Membership Meeting. Local 294 would like to thank all members for showing up, getting involved and being a part of this great union. Read More...
Teamsters Local 294 hosted the New York State Conference of Teamsters on August 29th-31st. The conference had all New York State Joint Councils in attendance. Teamsters Local 294 & Joint Council 18 President, John Bulgaro, was joined by Thomas Gesualdi (Joint Council 16 President), and George E. Harrigan (Joint Council 46 President) to start off with opening remarks. Read More...
Teamsters Local 294 General Membership Meetings will resume on October 2, 2022 at 10am. We hope to see you there. New members, we hope to see you there to get officially sworn into this great union. Check in with your Stewards for more information! Stay involved. Read More...
Once a year, Teamsters Local 294 gives Scholarship Awards through their non-profit organization called Teamsters Care. Teamsters Care funds given are raised throughout the year through means of fundraising and are not in any way associated with member's union dues. These scholarships are given to member's kids that are heading to college. Read More...
Teamsters Care has provided over $50,000 in scholarships to High School Seniors in just the past two years!!!
We will now be accepting applications for the 2023 Local 294 Teamster Scholarship. This annual scholarship is available to all active members, in good standing for the last 12 months, who have children/dependents that are presently high school seniors. Read More...
Teamsters Care Local 294 Scholarship is now open! DEADLINE extended to May 26th
Teamssters Care has provided over $50,000 in scholarships to High School Seniors in just the past two years!!!
We will now be accepting applications for the 2023 Local 294 Teamster Scholarship. Read More...
XPO First Round of Negotiations
Teamsters Local 294 made great progress during the opening round of negotiations with XPO on January 25-26, Local 294 President John Bulgaro said.
"We made great progress, including the exchange of several items across the table," Bulgaro said. Read More...
Town of Broadalbin Highway Dept
Field Representative Stanley Koniszewski stopped by the Town of Broadalbin's highway garage to deliver their newly ratified union contract. This new contract saw a substantial wage increase and they maintained all previous benefits. Great Job Brothers and Sister. Read More...
UPS Amsterdam driver retires
Scott Johnson, the most senior employee in Amsterdam, retired recently with 35 years of service and 25 years of safe driving.
Shop Steward Joe Rackmyre says, "Scott has been a mentor to me for the last 28 years. He is a role model, an excellent friend and a great coworker. Read More...
own of Mohawk Highway Dept
The Town of Mohawk hosted the annual holiday party this year. The town highway depts of Minden, Oppenheim, Broadalbin and Palatine joined in the celebration. Field Rep Stan Koniszewski was there as well. 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.’”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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...
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...
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
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...
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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Nominations Meeting Congratulations to the Officers and Business Agents
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From the Desk of President Tom Quackenbush
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WITHDRAWAL CARD REQUEST form REVISED.docx
