Weekly Union Recap July 31, 2026

August 3, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

The IFPTE Weekly Recap will be on hiatus for the month of August and will return after Labour Day on Friday, September 11.

Matt Biggs Talks Federal Union Rights, Organizing, Save Act on America’s Workforce Union Podcast

President Biggs talked this week with radio legend and host of America’s Workforce Union Podcast, Ed ‘Flash’ Ferenc, about IFPTE’s efforts to fight to restore federal employee bargaining rights, organizing workers across America, and the voter suppression bill dubbed the Save Act.

Boeing Presents SPEEA Local 2001 with Final Offer

SPEEA’s Negotiation Team has received offers from Boeing on proposed four-year collective bargaining agreements for some 17,000 aerospace professionals. There are two agreements, one for the Professional unit, made up of some 13,000 engineers and scientists, and one for roughly 4,000 technicians, analysts and planners in the Technical unit. The Prof and Tech teams both are endorsing the offer, saying it offers real and meaningful value to the membership, delivers real positive change to work/life balance and delivers on the membership’s priorities.

“Union Proud, Union Strong” – IFPTE Local 195 Settlement Equals Payments for Members

IFPTE Local 195 recently scored a victory for members when they reached a settlement with the state of New Jersey to guarantee reimbursements to impacted workers for their Clothing Maintenance Allowance (CMA). The settlement reached came after a series of grievances filed by the Local. Local 195 President/Atlantic Area Vice President, Brother Steve Pinto, commented that, “it was unfortunate that we were forced to file grievances in order to force management to do the right thing here, but at the end of the day we are pleased that we were able to reach a settlement that allowed our members to get properly reimbursed. This is yet another example of how our Union delivers for the members, and how our Solidarity makes us stronger.” Congratulations Local 195!

Federal Unions, Including IFPTE, Urge Senators to Oppose Charlton Allen, Nominee for FLRA General Counsel

The Federal Workers Alliance (FWA) resent a letter signed by 19 labor unions, including IFPTE, to all Senate offices urging Senators to reject the nomination of Charlton Allen, the Trump Administration’s nominee for General Counsel for the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA). The letter makes clear that Allen is unsuitable and unqualified to serve as FLRA General Counsel

SOLIDARITY ALERT: SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001 Supports Cafeteria Workers at Boeing in Their Negotiations

Last week, the SPEEA Northwest Council passed a motion of support to stand in Solidarity with 300 Boeing cafeteria workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 8 in Puget Sound and Portland who are facing difficult contract talks with Eurest/Compass, the company Boeing contracts with for their cafeteria services. The motion of support is in addition to an online petition to collect members’ signatures, along with promoting and participating in informational picketing on July 23, on public sidewalks outside of Boeing at Everett and Renton. SPEEA and IFPTE are proud to continue to stand in Strong Solidarity with our Union Siblings from UNITE HERE Local 8.

Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) President, Bea Bruske, Condemns Bank of Canada Union-busting

CLC President, Bea Bruske, strongly condemned the Bank of Canada’s repeated violation of Canada’s anti-scab law by blatantly ignoring rulings by the Industrial Relations Board to adhere to the law. In a letter this week urging the Carney government, President Bruske warned that, “the Parliament passed this law to protect workers’ right to strike and ensure collective bargaining is fair…When employers use scab labour, they undermine that fundamental right.”

IFPTE Endorses Troy Jackson for United States Senate

This week IFPTE met with Maine Senate candidate, Troy Jackson, to discuss his candidacy and priorities if elected to represent the citizens of Maine in the United States Senate. Following the meeting, IFPTE issued a strong endorsement, noting that, “Maine deserves a Senator that understand the challenges facing working families, will fight to end the Trump Administration’s attacks on their collective bargaining rights,” while also calling him, “an unapologetic and staunch supporter of IFPTE’s vast membership, particularly those represented by Local 4 and employed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.”

Is Canadian Labour Ready for AI?

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape workplaces, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) examines what Canadian unions can learn from recent bargaining victories and why workers should have a stronger voice in how AI is introduced and governed in the workplace.

Online Registration Open for the 2026 SFL OH&S Conference

The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) will be holding its annual Occupational Health and Safety Conference this year in Regina, from September 17-18. Although the intent of the conference is to educate unionized workers in Saskatchewan about the latest issues surrounding workplace safety, in addition to all SFL affiliates, which includes the Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160), the conference is also open to non-affiliates and non-unionized workers to attend.

Unions Power America Sweepstakes

The 6th annual Unions Power America Sweepstakes is back and it’s MASSIVE. Like more than $150,000 in cash prizes MASSIVE. Union Plus is proud to give back to union members who keep America going, so here’s what YOU can win during the Sweeps: 🏆 2 Grand Prizes: $40,000 + a stay at a hotel from Priceline — EACH 💸 1 First Prize: $20,000 💵 2 Second Prizes: $5,000 each 💰 40 Third Prizes: $1,000 each. Yep, 45 winners total and every SINGLE prize is going to a hard-working and well-deserving union member. Just like you. So what are you waiting for? Get your name in the hat before the August 19 deadline!

‘STRENGTH THROUGH SOLIDARITY’
Westin Harbour Castle Reservation Portal Now Open
for IFPTE 62nd Convention

We’re approximately one year out from the opening of IFPTE’s 62nd Convention being held at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto, Ontario, CA, July 19-22, 2027. As we prepare for the event, we want to allow ample time for Convention attendees to reserve their sleeping rooms at the Westin. Locals and attendees may now use the IFPTE reservation portal to book your rooms. Standard rates are $339 CA (king or double based on availability). Let the countdown begin!

TAKE ACTION, TELL CONGRESS

IFPTE Urges Congress to Block Trump Administration from Accessing Personal Medical Data of Federal Workers

IFPTE responded this week to efforts by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to unilaterally implement a rule forcing health insurers to disclose the individualized, personal medical information of current and former federal employees to the Trump Administration. In asking both Congressional appropriators and authorizers to come together in a bipartisan way to prevent the Administration from accessing this data, IFPTE reinforced to lawmakers that, “Medical records invoke core cannons of personal, social, psychological, cultural, and religious privacy that are absolutely sacred to all Americans.” Read IFPTE’s letter to key Capitol Hill lawmakers and join IFPTE’s member mobilization letter writing campaign here.

Weekly Union Recap July 24, 2026

July 27, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

IFPTE Condemns Latest Round of Canadian Tariffs, Failure to Assist in Wildfire Relief Efforts

Following President Trump’s comments regarding penalizing Canada in relation to the wildfires in the Northern Ontario, and the subsequent announcement of tariffs against Canada, IFPTE’s executive officers issued a joint statement condemning the administration’s latest attacks, saying that, “this no way to treat our number one trading partner, and our number one ally!” Read the full statement.

IFPTE Urges No Vote on Onder Union-Busting and Grothman Job Slashing Amendments to the House NDAA

As the House of Representatives considered HR 8800, the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, IFPTE sent a letter urging all House lawmakers to oppose amendments filed by Representatives Onder and Grothman taking aim at DOD civilian jobs and their collective bargaining rights, reminding them that, “IFPTE’s history is built on the principle that federal employees, their unions, and a professional merit-based civil service are vital strategic elements that enable America’s national defense.” The Onder amendment was never offered, and the Grothman amendment was easily defeated.

Bell Continues to Offshore Canadian Telecommunications Jobs – IFPTE Urges Government to Reform Regulatory Framework

As Bell Canada continues to offshore Union represented telecommunications jobs, including jobs of TEAM/IFPTE Local 161 members in Manitoba, IFPTE leaders sent a letter this week to the federal Minister of Industry, Mélanie Joly, expressing, “serious concerns regarding the accelerating loss of Canadian telecommunications jobs…”, and urging the Canadian government to, “consider reforms to the current telecommunications regulatory framework…”.

“An American Patriot, a Friend of Unions and Working People” – IFPTE Endorses Elaine Luria for Congress

The IFPTE International issued their latest endorsement this week in support of our longtime friend, Elaine Luria, who is seeking to again represent the constituents of Virginia’s 2^nd Congressional District, calling her, “an American Patriot, a friend of unions and working people through and through, and one of IFPTE’s strongest supporters.” Former Congresswoman Luria has stood arm-in-arm with IFPTE members, served our nation for two decades in the U.S. Navy before retiring at the rank of Commander, and boasts a 99% AFL-CIO lifetime approval rating during her first stint in the United States House of Representatives.

Unions Power America Sweepstakes

‘STRENGTH THROUGH SOLIDARITY’
Westin Harbour Castle Reservation Portal Now Open
for IFPTE 62nd Convention

TAKE ACTION, TELL CONGRESS

IFPTE Urges Congress to Block Trump Administration from Accessing Personal Medical Data of Federal Workers

Weekly Union Recap July 17, 2026

July 20, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

‘STRENGTH THROUGH SOLIDARITY’
Westin Harbour Castle Reservation Portal Now Open
for IFPTE 62nd Convention

IFPTE Local 20 Members Ratify New Contract with PG&E, Including Highest-Ever Wage Increases

Members of the Engineers and Scientists of California, IFPTE Local 20, voted this week to ratify a contract with Pacific Gas and Electric Company. ESC represents nearly 5,000 highly skilled professionals at PG&E, which provides utility services to 16 million California residents. “With this agreement, ESC members have secured the highest three-year wage increases of any PG&E contract in the Union’s 74-year history,” said John Mader, President of Engineers and Scientists of California and of the Union’s PG&E Unit Board.

IFPTE Letter Supporting House WRDA Bill Cites Favorable Provisions on Boundary Realignment and Cites Concerns about Wasteful Army Corps Office Relocations and Lack of Transparency

This week, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee both passed their respective Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) bills with unanimous bipartisan support. IFPTE sent a letter to House T&I Committee Members to shore up support for union-backed provisions and also remind lawmakers that USACE’s ongoing effort to move offices out of New York City is a waste of taxpayer dollars, will result in skilled workers leaving the agency, and will harm critical missions and project delivery. The House WRDA bill did include IFPTE-backed language offered by Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA) that requires the USACE to inform Congress and consult with stakeholders before any boundary realignment is implemented. The language was included as part of a bipartisan Managers’ amendment to the bill.

Rep. Goldman, Sen. Schumer, Sen. Gillibrand, Other Lawmakers Request Investigation of Army Corps Office Relocations That Harms IFPTE Local 98 Members’ Work, Result in Workforce Attrition

After successfully encouraging New York congressional lawmakers to request an independent study on the impact of moving Corps work from New York to New Jersey, IFPTE continued to fight for Local 98- represented jobs by urging congressional appropriators to halt the move until the study can be completed. In a letter to key congressional appropriators this week, IFPTE warned that, “The relocation is expected to cause substantial workforce attrition among highly specialized engineers, scientists, planners, and project managers…”, while urging lawmakers to block the move to, “allow the GAO to fulfill the Congressional request to investigate USACE’s relocation of the New York District and North Atlantic Division offices.” IFPTE’s latest efforts come after a request from New York Congressman, Dan Goldman along with several lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader, Chuck Shumer, for an independent study regarding the fiscal impact of the move.

Society of United Professionals Young Professionals Network Hosts Ottawa Social Event

Members of the Young Professionals Network (YPN) from the Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) hosted a social event at Level One Pub in Ottawa, Canada bringing together Society members from the Ottawa region for an evening of networking and socializing.

House Bill to Cut Veterans Benefits and Privatize VA Services Loses Support and Is Pulled Moments Before Floor Vote — Read Union Letter to House Lawmakers Opposing Bill

This week, the ill-named “Taking Care of America’s Veterans Act,” H.R. 9237, was stopped from passing in the House of Representatives after a “motion to recommit” showed that enough Republicans would join with Democrats to oppose and defeat the bill on the House floor. The AFL-CIO letter, signed by IFPTE, opposed the bill because it “cynically packages long-sought, well-deserved new benefits for disabled veterans with benefit cuts to other veterans and a slew of provisions designed to further privatize the VA healthcare system.”

MFL Calls for Action to Address Growing Epidemic of Workplace Violence

The Manitoba Federation of Labour (MFL), of which TEAM/IFPTE Local 161 and WAPSO/IFPTE Local 162 are affiliates, have released a new report examining the growing epidemic of workplace violence across the province and offering practical solutions to better protect workers. The report warns that incidents of workplace violence in Manitoba have more than tripled over the past decade and calls for a province-wide prevention strategy to address the current crisis

Unions Power America Sweepstakes

TAKE ACTION, TELL CONGRESS

IFPTE Urges Congress to Block Trump Administration from Accessing Personal Medical Data of Federal Workers

Weekly Union Recap July 2, 2026

July 2, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

IFPTE Honours Canada Day on July 1^st and
Independence Day on July 4^th,
and offer our best wishes to our members, their families, and all working families across the United States and Canada!
We stand strong together in Solidarity!

IFPTE Local 8A Successfully Organizes NOAA Fisheries Workers

Local 8A President, Nick Tolimieri, commented on the successful organizing campaign: “Local 8A congratulates the more than 200 federal employees at the Pacific Island Fisheries location for voting to join Local 8A. It is as important now more than ever that federal employees band together and strengthen not only our working conditions, but protect the vital work that we all perform on behalf of American taxpayers. We look forward to getting the bargaining process started.”

IFPTE Provides Comments Opposing the Trump Administration’s Employee Nondisclosure Agreement

IFPTE International joined several IFPTE Locals, including Local 777, rank-and-file members and others in the labor movement in providing comments last week in opposition to the Trump Administration’s efforts to force federal workers to sign nondisclosure agreements.

SPEEA Local 2001 Starts Bargaining with Boeing

Negotiators for SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001 began formal contract talks with Boeing on July 1. SPEEA aims to negotiate two collective bargaining agreements, one for some 13,000 engineers and another for some 4,000 technical workers, with the majority of those aerospace professionals working at Boeing facilities in Puget Sound and several hundreds more working at Boeing sites in Oregon, California and Utah.

Society/Local 160 President Meets with Ontario Energy Minister Stephen Lecce

The Society of United Professionals/Local 160 President Rebecca Caron met with Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce last week to discuss the province’s plans for expanding nuclear energy and the workforce needed to support it. Following the meeting, Minister Lecce thanked Caron for her “good advice and partnership” as Ontario develops a workforce readiness strategy aimed at filling 150,000 net-new jobs across the province.

SPEEA Members Participate in Seattle PRIDE Parade

SPEEA members showed up strong for Seattle’s 52nd annual Pride Parade, which took place on Sunday, June 28th. The parade was attended by several Unions in addition to SPEEA, including the Washington State AFL-CIO.

Society/Local 160 Stands Proud at PRIDE Toronto 2026

The Society of United Professionals/Local 160 (the Society) proudly joined Pride Toronto over the weekend standing alongside over 3 million participants in support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and reaffirming the union’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and human rights.

Working People Across North America Need a Workers-First Trade Policy

IFPTE issued a statement on the U.S-Mexico-Canada (USMCA or CUSMA) trade agreement’s six-year review period, commencing on July 1, 2026.

TAKE ACTION, TELL CONGRESS

IFPTE Urges Congress to Block Trump Administration from Accessing Personal Medical Data of Federal Workers

SAVE THE DATE!!!

IFPTE 62nd Convention

Toronto, ON, Canada

July 19-22, 2027

Weekly Union Recap June 26, 2026

June 29, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

During the month of June, IFPTE celebrates PRIDE Month. We honour our Union Sisters and Brothers whose leadership and solidarity continue to strengthen the labor movement across Canada and the United States. As part of PRIDE Month, the AFL-CIO is profiling leaders from throughout the labor movement. Let’s honor our Siblings by viewing a profile each day of PRIDE Month!

Happy PRIDE! from IFPTE Local 21 President Bianca Polovina (they/them)

IFPTE Local 21 released a Happy Pride video featuring their President, Bianca Polovina, to celebrate Pride Month. President Polovina tells her story, while also highlighting the power and importance that Union’s provide to the LGBTQ+ community, saying that, “I’ve always been able to stay true to myself, thanks to my Union. Being in a Union means that you and your coworkers will always be treated with fairness…”.

Biggs, Henson Talk State of the Labor Movement on The Valley Labor Report

President Matt Biggs and Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson joined Valley Labor Report host, Jacob Morrison, earlier this month in Minneapolis while attending the AFL-CIO convention.

Society Board Member, Sharon Archer, Receives Bromley Armstrong Award

The Society of United Professionals/IFPTE Local 160 proudly celebrates Executive Board member Sharon Archer on receiving the Individual Recognition for Indigenous Activism Award at the Bromley Armstrong Awards, presented by the Toronto & York Region District Labour Council.

NAIJ/IFPTE Judicial Council 2 President Shares Union’s Perspective On Mass Firings, “Whipsaw by Politics,” and Structural Issues of Immigration Court

Speaking in her capacity as President of the National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ), IFPTE Judicial Council 2, Judge Holly D’Andrea talked to The New York Times’ The Daily Podcast to discuss the political, structural, and resource pressures that the immigration judges and the immigration court faces.

SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001 Issues Letter of Solidarity for Hotel Workers on Strike

SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001’s Executive Board issued a letter of support to UNITE HERE Local 8, representing the Hilton workers at Embassy Suites, Seattle, stating, “Your members are skilled and should be valued and share in the profits of their employer as their employer reaps revenue from visitors around the world coming to Seattle for the World Cup.”

Nuclear Energy is a Win for Workers, the Economy, and the Environment

The Society of United Professionals/IFPTE Local 160 applauds the federal government’s release this week of Canada’s Nuclear Energy Strategy, calling it the most significant federal commitment to nuclear workers and clean energy in a generation.

IFPTE Requests House Rules Committee Advance Bipartisan Amendment to Keep USACE in NYC

As the House Committee on Rules took up consideration of amendments to the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, IFPTE urged all Members of the House Committee on Rules to advance a bipartisan amendment that supports IFPTE Local 98 members’ effort to keep U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) offices in New York City from being relocated.

IFPTE Endorses Suzan DelBene for Congress — “Rep. DelBene is a Trusted and Proven Supporter of Working Families”

IFPTE endorsed Congresswoman Suzan DelBene as she seeks re-election to represent Washington’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. IFPTE’s executive officers and key staff provided comments.

TAKE ACTION, TELL CONGRESS

IFPTE Urges Congress to Block Trump Administration from Accessing Personal Medical Data of Federal Workers

SAVE THE DATE!!!

IFPTE 62nd Convention

Toronto, ON, Canada

July 19-22, 2027

Weekly Union Recap June 19, 2026

June 22, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

IFPTE Honors Juneteenth

In observance of Juneteenth: On June 19, 1865—over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation—enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally received the news of their freedom. Today, IFPTE honors that history in the United States, recognizes the struggles endured, celebrates the triumphs of Black Americans, and reaffirms our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

SPEEA Leaders Ready for Action After SPEEA Convention/Conference

SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001 Council Reps from three states came together for the annual SPEEA Council Convention and Leadership Conference last week in SEATAC, Washington. The theme of the convention and training conference was, “Ready for Action”, with highlights including Wichita Council Rep Angela Hottle receiving the Stephen Pezzini Helping Other People Excel (HOPE) award for her union activism and community support, a report out from Negotiation Team members and Contract Action Team members, and workshops on topics ranging from labor rights, legislative issues and negotiations to empowering leadership development.

IFPTE Honors International Staffer, Karen Nairn, Upon Her Retirement

This week IFPTE international officers and staff, along with DC area Local leaders and members, gathered at the IFPTE Union House in Washington, DC to thank our colleague, Karen Nairn, for her 28 years of dedicated service to our Union. IFPTE’s executive officers expressed their gratitude to Karen for her service: President Matt Biggs – “We can’t thank her enough for her decades of great dedication to our Union, and our members. While we will miss her greatly, we wish her nothing but great prosperity and health in her well-deserved retirement.”

IFPTE Mourns the Loss of Brother Mike Calleo

IFPTE is saddened to share that our Union Brother, Mike Calleo, passed away peacefully on June 8th. Brother Calleo was a decades-long leader within the IFPTE and New Jersey Union families, having served as Union President representing members of Local 200/200A from 1988 until his retirement as President just this past April.

TAKE ACTION, TELL CONGRESS

IFPTE Urges Congress to Block Trump Administration from Accessing Personal Medical Data of Federal Workers

SAVE THE DATE!!!

IFPTE 62nd Convention

Toronto, ON, Canada

July 19-22, 2027

Weekly Union Recap June 12, 2026

June 15, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

IFPTE Efforts to Defeat Pro-Contracting NDAA Amendment Successful

IFPTE successfully worked last week to defeat legislation sponsored by South Carolina Representative, Nancy Mace, that would have lifted the moratorium on Department of Defense (DOD) A-76 competitions to determine whether federal work is appropriate for outsourcing and privatization. Congresswoman Mace’s misguided effort, which came during the House Armed Services Committee’s (HASC) consideration of the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), would have resulted in the loss of DOD federal civilian jobs to the private sector, likely including IFPTE- represented jobs.

IFPTE Urges “Yes” Vote on Faster Labor Contracts Act, Celebrates Bipartisan House Passage of Labor Law Bill

This week, IFPTE sent a letter to all Members of the House of Representatives urging them to vote in support of the pro-union bipartisan Faster Labor Contracts Act (H.R. 5408), championed by Democratic Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ) and Republican Congressman Pete Stauber (MN). The legislation, which was brought to the a House floor vote through a discharge petition process where a majority of House members supported the bill, against opposition from the House Speaker, would guarantee workers who organize unions to achieve a first contract through binding arbitration.

TEAM Local 161 Members ‘Take-a-Break’

Members and staff of TEAM/IFPTE Local 161 gathered this week in Winnipeg for the unit’s annual Take-a-Break lunch events. First held in 2012, the events provide members a valuable opportunity to take a break from work, join together for a meal, and connect with one another. As usual, the events were well attended, with over 40% of the membership participating across two locations this week, and an additional event still to come at a third location next week.

IFPTE Participates in the AFL-CIO’s 30th Constitutional Convention

As a proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, IFPTE showed up strong this week in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the AFL-CIO’s 30th Constitutional Convention. The four-day Convention’s theme was, “With You It’s Better in a Union,” and focused on the American labor movement’s path forward by empowering working people through grassroots membership engagement, securing strong collective agreements, and fighting back to defeat the attacks on unions from the current administration.

IFPTE Welcomes Canadian Labour Congress President, Bea Bruske, to the AFL-CIO Convention

President Matt Biggs and Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson were among the many American labor leaders to welcome our good friend and Union-Sister, Bea Bruske, to Minneapolis, Minnesota this week at the AFL-CIO’s 30th constitutional convention. President Bruske addressed convention delegates and reinforced the strong and unwavering Solidarity between the Canadian and American labour movements, welcomed remarks that received rousing support from convention delegates.

Secretary-Treasurer Henson Addresses Maritime Trades Department Convention

IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer, Gay Henson, addressed delegates last week at the AFL-CIO’s Maritime Trades Department (MTD) convention. Henson, who represents IFPTE on the MTD executive council, informed convention attendees about the unprecedented attacks on our nation’s federal employees, including the Trump Administration’s illegal elimination of collective bargaining rights for over 1 million workers, and tens of thousands of IFPTE-represented workers.

Canada’s Unions Take Concerns Over AI and Labour Rights to Global Stage

This week, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) spoke at the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland calling on governments around the globe to ensure workers have a meaningful role in shaping their economic future, including artificial intelligence, while warning against efforts to weaken collective bargaining and the right to strike.

TAKE ACTION, TELL CONGRESS

IFPTE Urges Congress to Block Trump Administration from Accessing Personal Medical Data of Federal Workers

SAVE THE DATE!!!

IFPTE 62nd Convention

Toronto, ON, Canada

July 19-22, 2027

Weekly Union Recap June 5, 2026

June 8, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

During the month of June, IFPTE celebrates PRIDE Month. We honour our Union Sisters and Brothers whose leadership and solidarity continue to strengthen the labor movement across Canada and the United States. As part of PRIDE Month, a leader from GAO Employees Organization/IFPTE Local 1921, Rah Cantatore, will be profiled by the AFL-CIO on June 9. Let’s all honor Rah as well as our other Siblings by viewing a profile each day of PRIDE Month!

PRIDE in Our Solidarity

Each June, PRIDE Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the diversity that strengthens our workplaces, unions, and communities. It is also a time to recognize the contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ workers and the progress achieved through decades of advocacy, solidarity, and collective action. This PRIDE Month, the Canadian Labour Congress and the AFL-CIO are highlighting the experiences and contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ workers while reflecting on the importance of building workplaces free from discrimination, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect

IFPTE Thanks Rep. Norcross and House Armed Services Committee Members For Approving FY27 NDAA That Restores Bargaining Rights at DOD

On Thursday, the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) held a full committee “markup” where Representatives on the HASC voted on amendments to the bill past midnight. IFPTE weighed in with a letter requesting HASC Members vote to approve Rep. Donald Norcross’s (D-NJ) amendment to nullify the Department of Defense’s implementation of EO 14251, which strips bargaining rights of over 1.3 million federal workers, including 750,000 at DOD. Just before midnight, HASC took a recorded vote on the amendment and with a bipartisan 30-26 margin, the Norcross amendment was included in the House NDAA bill. Reps. Mike Turner (R-OH), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), and Donald Bacon (R-NE) voted with all HASC Democrats to approve the amendment.

Society of United Professionals Celebrate Milestone Week in Saskatoon

This week the Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) celebrated an important milestone in Saskatoon, bringing together members, local leaders, and guests for a series of events focused on growth, representation, and member engagement. The week featured Board meetings, the official opening of the Society’s new Saskatoon office, and a special event welcoming members of Local 222 (City of Saskatoon) and their families to the Society. The new office represents the Society’s long-term commitment to supporting members in Saskatchewan and strengthening its presence in Western Canada. It will serve as a hub for member services, local union activities, and community engagement.

IFPTE Attends Labor Event in Support of Graham Platner for Senate

Secretary-Treasurer, Gay Henson, and Legislative Director, Faraz Khan, attended a labor-backed event this week in Washington, DC in support of the candidacy of Graham Platner to represent the citizens of Maine in the United States Senate. The event was sponsored by several Unions and comes after the Maine Labor Movement’s May 12th unified endorsement.

IFPTE Proudly Endorses Adam Smith for Washington’s 9th Congressional District

IFPTE is proud to again endorse Congressman Adam Smith for reelection to continue to represent the citizens of Washington’s 9th Congressional District. Smith, who is a longtime friend to IFPTE, particularly SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001, Local 12 and Local 8A, is the top Democrat on the all-powerful House Armed Services Committee, and is positioned to take over as Chairman if the mid-term elections result in control of the House of Representatives shifting over to the Democratic side.

Building a Strong, Accessible Future for Every Worker

As National AccessAbility Week is observed across Canada from May 31 to June 6, unions are reaffirming their commitment to building workplaces that are inclusive, accessible, and free from barriers. Whether through collective bargaining, workplace advocacy, disability accommodations, or public policy initiatives, organized labour continues to play an important role in ensuring that every worker has the opportunity to participate fully and safely in the workplace.

TAKE ACTION, TELL CONGRESS

IFPTE Urges Congress to Block Trump Administration from Accessing Personal Medical Data of Federal Workers

SAVE THE DATE!!!

IFPTE 62nd Convention

Toronto, ON, Canada

July 19-22, 2027

Weekly Union Recap May 22, 2026

May 26, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

‘IFPTE Wishes All of Our Members and Their Families a Safe and Happy Memorial Day Holiday’

ENVEST – IFPTE Partners with TVA, Paradigm in Establishing STEM Apprenticeship Program

Led by Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson, IFPTE made history last Friday by finalizing a first of its kind STEM apprenticeship program. The program is entitled ENVEST Jobs– Empowerment Network for Engineering, Science and Technology Jobs, and will help to fund worker training programs to meet IT, cyber-security, and other needs of employers like TVA and others.

Secretary-Treasurer Henson Talks Appreticeships at AFA Summit

Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson was a featured panelist this week at a summit hosted by Apprenticeships for America (AFA). The event, which was held in Washington, DC, featured a panel organized by the AFL-CIO’s Working for America Institute entitled, “Stronger Together: How unions and employers’ power successful apprenticeships!”

IFPTE and SUP/Local 160 Lead IFPTE Contingent at CBTU Convention

International staff, Candace Rhett, and Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) Board Member and past Chair of the SUP Racialized Professionals Committee, Leon Simeon, along with SUP/Local 160 members, Johanne Konan and Lilia Shillingford, represented IFPTE this week in Atlanta at the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) 55th International Convention. More than 1100 people attended the convention themed, “Cherish Our Legacy & Bend to No One.”

SUP/Local 160 Attends EHRC Agents of Change 2026

Last week, the Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) attended Electricity Human Resources Canada’s Agents of Change 2026 in Montreal, joining industry leaders and changemakers for two days of meaningful connection and dialogue.

Current and Former IFPTE Members Advocate for Repairing Talent Pipeline for NASA and Supporting Strategic Workforce Capacities

GESTA/IFPTE Local 29 leaders and members were on Capitol Hill this week to meet with Congressional offices and discuss the need for Congress to support NASA’s talent pipeline, advance policies that enable long term talent retention, and make sure federal hiring practices are not wasting the resources, time, and commitment that agencies and early career employees have invested.

MFL Calls to End WCB Surplus Payouts to Employers

The Manitoba Federation of Labour (MFL) is calling on the provincial government to legislate an end to the Workers Compensation Board’s (WCB) annual surplus payouts to employers until several concerning workplace health and safety trends are reversed. Read more here.

TAKE ACTION, TELL CONGRESS

IFPTE Urges Congress to Block Trump Administration from Accessing Personal Medical Data of Federal Workers

SAVE THE DATE!!!

IFPTE 62nd Convention

Toronto, ON, Canada

July 19-22, 2027

Weekly Union Recap May 15, 2026

May 18, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

IFPTE celebrates Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We honour our Sisters and Brothers whose leadership and solidarity continue to strengthen the labor movement across Canada and the United States. To celebrate, the AFL-CIO is profiling members highlighting their accomplishments in the labor movement. Let’s honor our Siblings by viewing a profile each day of the month!

IFPTE Attends Canadian Labour Congress Convention

IFPTE Delegates from across Canada joined thousands of Union members in Winnipeg this week at the Canadian Labour Congress’ (CLC) 31st Convention. The Convention theme was “We Build, We Care, We Fight,” and focused on building worker power in all sectors of Canada’s workforce. SUP/Local 160 President/Canadian Area Vice President/CLC Council member, Rebecca Caron, lead the IFPTE Delegation, which includes Delegates from SUP/Local 160, TEAM/Local 161, WAPSPO/Local 162, and the staff and executive officers from the International.

IFPTE Hosts Its Spring 2026 Executive Council Meeting

IFPTE held their biannual executive council meeting this week in Washington, DC. The meeting was focused on IFPTE’s ongoing legislative and legal efforts aimed at overturning the Trump Union busting agenda, efforts to continue to grow through organizing, particularly in New Jersey, California, the Federal Sector and in Canada, and adopting the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget aimed at properly funding the key priorities of IFPTE.

SPEEA Prof and Tech Negotiation Team Outlines Contract Priorities

SPEEA’s Prof and Tech Negotiation Team has released its bargaining platform for the upcoming contract talks with Boeing. “Today (May 13), we released our bargaining platform, a significant milestone that reflects what members have told us matters most in our next contract,” said Andrew Ferguson, Negotiation Team member. “It draws on member and staff input, NPC survey results and the dedicated work of the Negotiation Team.

IFPTE Endorses Tania Nemer for Summit County Judge

IFPTE is proud to endorse Tania Nemer for Summit County Judge. Nemer, a former member of the National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ/IFPTE Judicial Council 2), had served nearly two years as a United States Immigration Judge before being illegally terminated by the Trump Administration. IFPTE’s executive officers offered their full backing of Judge Nemer.

IFPTE Mourns the Loss of Retired Local 259 President Melvin Tate

It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of retired Local 259 President, Melvin Tate, who passed away on March 26th. Brother Tate was a longtime IFPTE member and officer of Local 259, including serving as Local 259 President. Under his leadership he prioritized Local 259’s legislative program and in doing so was a key leader in moving IFPTE’s international legislative advocacy program forward.

TAKE ACTION, TELL CONGRESS

IFPTE Urges Congress to Block Trump Administration from Accessing Personal Medical Data of Federal Workers

Application Deadline: Today – Friday, May 15
All documents must be submitted by 11:59pm or
postmarked on or before May 15 to be accepted.

SAVE THE DATE!!!

IFPTE 62nd Convention

Toronto, ON, Canada

July 19-22, 2027

IFPTE Local 400

Author: ifpte400

Weekly Union Recap June 5, 2026