Melba Smith, Local 277 member, retired after 63 years of service working for the IAM District Lodge 776. Melba was honored on January 13, 2017 with a surprise retirement party given by IAM District Lodge 776 and OPEIU 277. Smith started her career with IAM 776 in her teens; it was her job to “light the fires” at the office before everyone came to work. 

On February 18, 2017, the Instituto Laboral de la Raza presented the National Community Services Award to the “SHOOT FOR A CURE” Team at the annual 2017 National Labor-Community Awards in San Francisco, California. National Event Chair, Mark Gagliardi and Tim Hamann, Chair Emeritus, accepted the award on behalf of the team. Gagliardi is a long time OPEIU 277 member and the Western US Chief Steward for Local 277. 

This will be your one stop shop for all Local 277 communications, news, updates, and events. From this page members may take advantage of benefits such as the OPEIU Towing/Service Calls Benefit Program, UnionPlus discounts, and numerous scholarship opportunities. Members may also make changes to their address, order a new membership card, and register to vote. We have also provided information for those who are in need of a Union and may not be sure how to get started. 

On behalf of the Local 277 officers and staff we want to thank you for your patience as we have worked to get this website up and running. Our goal is to provide our members with up to date information and the best service and representation possible. If you have any suggestions or concerns, we certainly welcome them.

Local 277 held its annual steward training summit in Fort Worth on Thursday, March 31, 2016. Training was led by Diane Thomas-Holladay from the Labor Education Progra at the University of Arkansas - Little Rock. Stewards were educated on valuable topics such as their roles in the work place, Weingarten rights, what constitutes a grievance, grievance investigation, dealing with discipline and discharge, and so much more. In addition to Ms. Thomas-Holladay’s lecture, Local 277 Legal Counsel G. William Baab gave a brief review of the arbitration process and the importance of strong steward representation. The training was well received by all and a great chance for Local 277 stewards all across the United States to meet and talk shop. 

OPEIU convened the 27th International Convention in Orlando, Florida on June 6, 2016.  There were 190 delegates, 40 alternate delegates and 39 observers from 75 locals in attendance.  The delegates to the convention elected Richard Lanigan as International President to a three-year term and re elected Mary Mahoney as International Secretary Treasurer for her third term. The delegates exhibited their confidence is this team to lead by electing them unanimously.  Additionally, four new Vice Presidents were elected: Region I - Bruce Wade, Region II Mike Bodinsky and two new Diversity Vice Presidents Lisa Blake and Maureen Meehan-Golonka.