IAM Automotive Local 777

05/30/2026

Congratulations to 32-year consecutive IAM Local 777 member Steven Anderson on his retirement. Initiated into the Local on October 20, 1993, Brother Anderson spent his entire career proudly serving at Weber Chevrolet. After a long and successful 32-year career, Steven is looking forward to tackling projects around his property and spending more time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Pictured as Steven is presented with a retirement watch by IAM Local 777 President Scott Hargis, from left: Tony Ziegler, Weber Chevrolet General Manager; Steven Anderson; IAM Local 777 President Scott Hargis; and District 9 Business Representative Dwight Terry.

05/21/2026

As we celebrate Memorial Day, let us remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten. Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

05/17/2026

Please join us in welcoming our newest IAM Local 777 member, Julian Prakken. Shown being initiated at the May 2026 monthly meeting by IAM Local 777 President Scott Hargis, Brother Prakken, along with all new initiates, foretells a future of growth and strength for IAM Local 777.

05/16/2026

Scott Hargis, President of IAM District 9 and IAM Local 777, proudly joined 40 consecutive year IAM Local 1745 member and retiree Roger Wells at the Wright City High School Career Expo.
Who better to speak about the careers our Union represents and the career spanning value of a strong collective bargaining agreement than a retiree who has experienced the benefits of Union membership throughout an entire career?
Thank you, Brother Wells, for contributing your time and sharing your career experiences with students as they begin exploring future career opportunities. Thank you to Wright City High School for the opportunity to engage with your students.

05/12/2026

REMINDER: IAM Local 777 monthly meeting is this Thursday, May 14th, at 7:00 PM.
As always, food and beverages will be provided. Please plan to attend and remind your coworkers.

05/10/2026

05/09/2026

IAM Local 777 is proud to spotlight “Local Legend” Jessie Bunch.
Brother Bunch was initiated into Local 777 in July of 1968 and went on to retire from YRC after 32 years of service in December of 2000. His work ethic, however, was built long before that. After high school, Jessie worked building water heaters as an Industrial Engineer, spent a short time at White Motor Company in Gary, Indiana, and later installed rooftop AC units on buses for St. Louis Public Service. While working at Cummins Diesel and as a member of the Hoisting Engineers, he answered the call to serve in the United States Navy from 1963 to 1967 as an aircraft mechanic on T-28 trainer, maintaining 18-cylinder propeller-driven engines during the Vietnam War.
Jessie later returned home and built his career at YRC while dedicating decades of service to IAM Local 777. He served in several leadership roles, including Local 777 President from 1995 to 2003, and remained active even after retirement, totaling 51 years of service to the Local.
A proud father of three and grandfather of three, Jessie enjoys retirement with family, playing bluegrass & country music, and crafting an assortment of custom wood pieces, like walking sticks. As seen in the photo, he still attends monthly meetings, keeping a watchful eye on the Local he helped build.
Jessie shares the advice his father gave him: “If you have a job worth doing, do it right, or don’t do it at all.” He encourages younger workers to look to retirees as proof of the value of a union contract. “My union career and my union pension afford me a comfortable retirement.”

05/02/2026

IAM Local 777 proudly recognizes Brother Steve Decker, a 22-year member and Journeyman Technician at Lou Fusz Ford, as our May 2026 Shop Steward of the Month.
Brother Decker began his journey in our Union at a young age and has strengthened that commitment ever since. When asked about the keys to his success, he credits the strong support and closeness among his siblings in the shop, along with a solid relationship with his employer, factors he believes bring people together and make success easy.
Steve takes pride in mentoring new members from day one, starting with the contract in hand and ensuring they understand what matters most early in their careers. As members grow into seasoned 777 professionals, he continues that education, consistently reinforcing the importance of solidarity and unity in the shop.
Thank you, Brother Steve Decker, for your leadership and dedication to our membership.

05/02/2026

IAM Local 777 never misses an opportunity to engage with students about our industries, the careers within them, and our Local’s role in shaping those paths. Students at the Lewis & Clark Career Center, already focusing their studies on automotive repair, collision repair, and refinishing, showed strong curiosity during their career expo.
Local 777 President Scott Hargis, Secretary-Treasurer Ted Schulte, and Local 777 member/collision repair expert Brian Hillstead, bringing over a century of combined experience, were proud to share their knowledge and answer questions.

04/21/2026

IAM Local 777 was proud to participate in the Southern Illinois University of Carbondale Automotive Technology Meet and Greet. We extend our sincere thanks to the staff and students for their hospitality and engagement throughout the event. Local 777 members had the opportunity to discuss a variety of topics, including the benefits of a union career, an area where the perspective of a retiree brought valuable real world insight. Congratulations to Marisol Magana Serrato, Vice President of Women in Automotive Technology, on winning the Snap-on digital angle torque wrench student attendance prize. We look forward to our fall session with this institution and students.

04/18/2026

IAM Local 777 Scholarship Committee Chairman Tim McNamee and Local 777 President Scott Hargis recently represented our Local at the Pike Lincoln County Technical Career Expo, spending time with students to highlight the many lucrative and rewarding careers within our industries. They also provided insight into what a collective bargaining agreement is, what it means to be part of a Union, and shared the proud history of Local 777.

With the school year winding down, stay tuned for the announcement of the 2026 IAM Local 777 Scholarship winners.