Machinists Automotive Lodge 777 celebrates 100-year anniversary

By SHERI GASSAWAY
Correspondent

IAM Machinists Automotive Lodge 777 recently commemorated an historic milestone for the union – its 100-year anniversary, a celebration that was put on hold for two years because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Lodge 777 members celebrated the long-overdue occasion at its April 14 union meeting at the Machinists District 9 hall in Bridgeton with food, drinks and attendance prizes. The event also included the presentation of a plaque commemorating the anniversary from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM&AW) Grand Lodge.

“The event turned out great,” said Machinists Lodge 777 President Scott Hargis. “We gathered to celebrate the 100^th anniversary on what was actually the 102^nd year for the union and 102 members and guests attended.”

‘DEDICATION AND RESOLVE’
During the celebration, congratulatory messages were read from IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr., and IAM Midwest Territory GVP Steven Galloway.

“On behalf of the IAM Executive Council and 600,000 active and retired Fighting Machinists Union members across North America, we are so proud to commemorate the 102nd anniversary of IAM Automotive Lodge 777,” Martinez wrote.

“Your dedication and resolve to fight for our membership and their families has withstood countless challenges through multiple generations. The proud men and women of Automotive Lodge 777 are now writing their own chapters in the history books of this storied lodge.

“Please know that the work you do each and every day is valued, appreciated and noticed by myself and your entire union. You make us all extremely proud, and I send my heartfelt congratulations to every member of Automotive Lodge 777 on this special occasion. Let’s continue to fight and win for our union, our membership and for all working people.”

JOB AND COMMUNITY
Galloway wrote, “On behalf of the IAM Midwest Territory staff and membership, I would like to congratulate IAM Automotive Lodge 777 on your 102nd anniversary and 102 years of service to Missouri’s working families.

“Since 1920 the members of Lodge 777 have never given up on the mission – justice on the job and service to the community. Over the course of your years, your membership has witnessed and weathered some of the most profound changes in not only our nation’s history, but our union’s history.

“Your commemoration of the Local’s 102 years today is a testament to the steadfast strength, will and solidarity of your membership.”

ABOUT LODGE 777
Machinists Lodge 777 was chartered on April 3, 1920. The local union represents more than 3,200 members at St. Louis-area automotive dealerships, independent collision and auto repair shops, beverage distributors and other companies in the delivery trucking, car rental, bus, truck body, glass replacement and marine repair industries. For more information, visit locallodge777.com.