Labor Passages: Teamster's 639's Phil Feaster Dies

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

Phil Feaster, former President of Teamsters Local 639, died Sunday at 70. After retirement, and despite a series of health problems in recent years, Feaster had continued to be an active member of the local labor community. Last year he spoke out about how the “donut hole” coverage gap affected more than 24 million seniors in Medicare’s prescription drug program. “The donut hole is a rip-off,” Feaster said at a July Alliance for Retired Americans press conference. “You pay money, but get nothing in return.” Feaster, who took eight prescription medicines a day to help control high blood pressure, diabetes and a sinus condition, explained that “These drugs cost me $700 per month when I am forced into the donut hole…$700 per month on top of the $85 monthly premiums I must pay. For half of the year, I am forced to pay these premiums while receiving absolutely nothing in return… sure seems like a sweetheart deal for the big drug and insurance companies.” “That’s classic Phil.” said Metro Council President Jos Williams. “Phil always told it like it was, and you could always count on him to come through. His passing is a great loss and we’ll miss him dearly.” Added current Local 639 President Tommy Ratliff, “Phil was always a strong advocate for our members. Even in retirement, he never failed to answer a call for help from a member.” Feaster, who began his career as a truck driver for Kane Trucking out of Tuxedo, Maryland, joined Local 639 in 1965, became a shop steward and then was elected business agent in 1977 and President in 1983, retiring in 2000, and had served since then as President of the local’s retiree club. Details on Feaster’s funeral will be posted on the Council’s website as soon as they’re available. Click here to see Feaster speaking at the July ARA press conference and here for the AFL-CIO Now blog report. - photo: Feaster (in red) with one of his Teamsters 639 retirees teams at this year’s Bowling for Gold tournament in January; photo by Chris Garlock