Know Your Voting Rights

In the advent of the midterm elections, do you have questions about your voting rights? Are you having an issue registering or casting your ballot? There’s a resource to assist. Check out the AFL-CIO’s ‘Know Your Voting Rights’ site for a host of information. Find out more here.

IFPTE Backs Pro-Worker Candidates for 2026 U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate Elections – Read more…

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Winnipeg Municipal Election

Winnipeg voters head to the polls on October 28 with significant changes expected at City Hall as five sitting councilors are not seeking re-election. The outcome is particularly important for members of WAPSO/IFPTE Local 162, whose wages, working conditions and collective bargaining are directly influenced by decisions made by City Council

Read more…

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NPEU/IFPTE Local 70 Hosts Election Protection Training

We need to be prepared to mobilize for our democracy, which is why the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU/IFPTE Local 70), is hosting a virtual election protection training this coming Sunday, October 25. The training, being jointly hosted along with the Metropolitan Washington AFL-CIO and FreeDC, will run from 1pm to 5pm EST.

Read more…

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The Society Builds Labour Connections at Saskatchewan Federation of Labour Convention

Representatives of The Society of United Professionals/IFPTE L160, from Saskatchewan and Ontario, attended the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) Convention, strengthening connections across the labour movement and reaffirming the importance of solidarity among workers.

Read more…

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IFPTE Local 3 Hosts Members, International for Annual Oktoberfest Gathering, Building PAC

IFPTE Local 3 President, Paul Dobias, and executive board members Sean Shanahan, Alicia St. John, Cathryn Johnson, Robert Hillgrube, and Rockisha Mullings hosted their annual Oktoberfest member celebration last week in Philadelphia.

Read more…

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“Solidarity, Strength, Success” – IFPTE Attends 72nd Metal Trades Department Convention

IFPTE Local 121 Treasurer, Ben Toyama, and Steward, Kamalu Alameida, joined legislative/political director, Faraz Khan, and international president, Matt Biggs, as delegates to the Metal Trades Department’s (MTD) 72nd Convention. The convention focused on the current fights facing labor, particularly those of federal employees who have experienced the most aggressive union-busting campaign from any U.S. president in the nation’s history.

Read more…

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Canada’s Unions Continue Fight to Protect Right to Strike

Canada’s unions are continuing their efforts to protect workers’ right to strike, with rallies held in 21 communities across the country last week, followed by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) bringing proposed amendments to Bill C-39 before a parliamentary committee earlier this week. CLC President Bea Bruske warned that the legislation’s expanded powers to end legal strikes could undermine collective bargaining and labour stability.

Read more…

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Americans are Sicker, Less Safe, and Less Financially Secure as a Result of the Trump-Vance Administration’s Indiscriminate Firings of Experienced Federal Civil Servants

As midterm elections near, a new report released this week by Democracy Forward’s Civil Service Strong found that Americans are paying the price for the systemic decimation and weakening of the federal civil service.  The report, entitled, “The Cost of a Civil Service Under Attack: How People Pay the Price,” outlines the dire consequences that the dismantling of the federal workforce by the Trump Administration has had to public services.

Read more…

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‘STRENGTH THROUGH SOLIDARITY’
IFPTE 62nd Convention
Please secure your travel documents now, IFPTE’s Westin Harbour Castle reservation portal open

We’re nine month away 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 continue to prepare for the event, we encourage attendees who live in the United States to assure their travel documents are up to date, i.e., your passport. If you need to apply for or renew your current passport, please visit the State Department site, https://travel.state.gov/en/passports.html, for all information pertaining to securing your passport.

Convention attendees also have ample time to reserve their sleeping rooms at the Westin. Locals and attendees may use IFPTE’s reservation portal to book your rooms. Standard rates are $339 CA (king or double based on availability).

Watch your email over the next several weeks for an invitation to begin registering for the Convention. Looking forward to seeing you in Toronto!

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Know Your Voting Rights

In the advent of the midterm elections, do you have questions about your voting rights? Are you having an issue registering or casting your ballot? There’s a resource to assist. Check out the AFL-CIO’s ‘Know Your Voting Rights’ site for a host of information. Find out more here.

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IFPTE Backs Pro-Worker Candidates for 2026 U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate Elections

IFPTE presents its bipartisan list of Congressional candidates that the Union is supporting in the 2026 elections this November. These candidates have stood with IFPTE on the issues that impact the Union’s diverse and growing membership. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by state.

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IFPTE Sends Letter to Leadership of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees on FY27 NDAA Conference Bill

IFPTE authored a letter to the leadership of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees (HASC and SASC) urging them to include certain provisions in the conferenced FY27 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) bill.

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Local 196 Delivers Big Contract Win for Long Branch Housing Authority Members

IFPTE Local 196-represented members employed by the Long Branch Housing Authority scored huge wins as a part of their recently completed contract negotiations. Ten percent wage increases, preserving pension and health benefits, and achieving stronger safety measures for the members, were all achieved during the latest round of bargaining.

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“One Society. One Voice. Stronger Together”: SUP, IFPTE Stand Strong with Bruce Power Members as They Enter Bargaining

As bargaining gets underway at the Society of United Professionals’ (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) Bruce Power Local, a solidarity video was created to show all Bruce members and their bargaining team that the SUP and IFPTE Union family has their back. The video serves as a reminder that Bruce members are not standing alone. They have the strength, support and solidarity of the entire Society and IFPTE behind them.

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IFPTE Local 1 President Alerts Hill Lawmakers About Unfair Pay Inversion Issue

IFPTE Local 1 President, Corey Henderson, joined legislative director, Faraz Khan, this week for meetings with the offices of Senators Tim Kaine (VA) and Mark Warner (VA), to discuss pay disparities impacting Local 1 members employed by the United States Navy.

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TEAM/Local 161 Members Gather for Annual General Meeting

Members of TEAM/IFPTE Local 161 gathered in Winnipeg and online this week for the union’s Annual General Meeting, with nearly a third of the membership taking part.The meeting included updates from TEAM’s President Dave Eyjolfson and Executive Director Carrie Sanderson on the past year, the Local’s financial position, workplace issues, and ongoing member advocacy.

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IFPTE Local 200 Hold Memorial/Remembrance Event for Longtime Local 200/200A President Mike Calleo

IFPTE Local 200 President, Mark Connors, along with the leadership and members of Local 200, hosted a remembrance event on Thursday honoring the life and service of longtime Local 200/200A President, Mike Calleo, who passed away on June 8.

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IFPTE Northeast Council Holds Biannual Meeting in Glenville, New York

Members and leaders from IFPTE’s Northeast Area rounded out their biannual meetings this week in Glenville, New York.  Along with the presentation of Local reports and a review of the Northeast Council budget, International Representative, David LaFemina, performed a training session entitled, “Introduction to negotiations 101,”, while FHE Health’s Janet Gerhard, gave a presentation on, “Making Your Mental Health a Priority.”

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IFPTE in the News

Lee Give Upbeat State of the City Speech as Unions Increase Pressure for Deal (The Oaklandside) – IFPTE Local 21

The Holidays Are Coming: Make Your Mental Health a Priority – IFPTE International/FHE Health

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Labour News

CCPA Report Highlights Fairer Pay in Canada’s Public Sector

A new report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) finds that Canada’s public sector continues to provide more equitable pay for women and new Canadians than the private sector

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‘STRENGTH THROUGH SOLIDARITY’
IFPTE 62nd Convention
Please secure your travel documents now, IFPTE’s Westin Harbour Castle reservation portal open

We’re nine month away 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 continue to prepare for the event, we encourage attendees who live in the United States to assure their travel documents are up to date, i.e., your passport. If you need to apply for or renew your current passport, please visit the State Department site, https://travel.state.gov/en/passports.html, for all information pertaining to securing your passport.

Convention attendees also have ample time to reserve their sleeping rooms at the Westin. Locals and attendees may use IFPTE’s reservation portal to book your rooms. Standard rates are $339 CA (king or double based on availability).

Watch your email over the next several weeks for an invitation to begin registering for the Convention. Looking forward to seeing you in Toronto!

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Labor Honors National Hispanic Heritage Month

As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO is highlighting our Hispanic brothers and sisters and their accomplishments in the labor movement. View all profiles for National Hispanic Heritage Month here.

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IFPTE Local 1921 Weighs-In with Members on GAO Comptroller General Process

The GAO Employees Organization (IFPTE Local 1921) sent a message to their members regarding the nomination process for GAO’s Comptroller General. In the message, the union reaffirmed its commitment to continue advocating that the next Comptroller General be appointed through a legal and legitimate process that has the bipartisan support of Congress.

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IFPTE Shares Water Resources Development Act Priorities and Urges Committees to Advance Compromise Text

This week, IFPTE urged the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee and Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee to reconcile the House-passed bill (H.R.9497) with the Senate EPW Committee approved bill (S.4949) and include IFPTE priorities. IFPTE’s letter explains that,”WRDA is critical legislation for IFPTE members at USACE [U.S. Army Corps of Engineers] and for communities nationwide that rely on the resources, supply chains, and economic benefits supported by the nation’s waterways.”

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SOLIDARITY ALERT: IFPTE’s David LaFemina Joins Picketing Solvang City Workers

IFPTE International Representative David LaFemina joined Solvang, California public servants on the picket line last week. The workers, represented by Teamsters Local Union 986, have been on strike for four weeks. They voted to strike after the City Council approved a 20% raise for its members and a $30,000 salary increase for the mayor while initially offering workers only a 2% raise. The striking employees work in the city’s public works, marketing, tax, land-use administration, and inspection departments.

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IFPTE’s Candace Rhett Joins and Thanks Virginia Representative Don Beyer for His Support of IFPTE

IFPTE’s Communications Representative Candace Rhett represented the International this week at a labor event with Virginia Congressman, Don Beyer.  IFPTE was one of several unions in attendance where participants thanked the Congressman for his work to restore the collective bargaining rights of the over 1 million workers who have been subject to the Trump union-busting executive orders.

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Manitoba Workers Continue to Face Canada’s Highest Injury Rate

For the third year in a row, Manitoba has the highest workplace injury rate in Canada. According to the Manitoba Federation of Labour (MFL)—of which TEAM/IFPTE Local 161 and WAPSO/IFPTE Local 162 are affiliates—the province’s 2025 time-loss injury rate was 25% higher than any other province and more than 60% above the national average. MFL President Kevin Rebeck is calling for an independent review of the Workers Compensation Board’s injury prevention system, saying, “Manitoba workers deserve better than last place.”

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IFPTE in the News

City of San José Averts Strike, Ratification Vote on Tentative Agreements with MEF/IFPTE Expected to Begin Next Week

City leaders thank workforce for dedication and service to the community, and assure residents that there will be no disruption of services.

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Labour News

World Day for Decent Work: Defending the Right to Strike

Observed annually on October 7, the World Day for Decent Work is an opportunity for the labour movement to take action for decent work to be placed at the centre of economic and government policy, including the protection of fundamental workers rights. This year, Canada’s unions are focusing on the right to strike, as Bill C-39 raises fresh concerns about federal restrictions on strike action.

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‘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!

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Labor Honors National Hispanic Heritage Month

As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO is highlighting our Hispanic brothers and sisters and their accomplishments in the labor movement. View all profiles for National Hispanic Heritage Month here.

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IFPTE Thanks Brother Brian Kildee for His Exemplary Service to Our Union

With mixed emotions, we announce that Assistant to the Executive Officers, Brian Kildee, will leave IFPTE on Friday, October 2. Said President Matt Biggs, “His guidance and advice during what has been one of the most challenging times in our Union’s history have been invaluable and irreplaceable.” Secretary Treasurer Gay Henson said, “His strategic vision for the future of IFPTE, and his dedication and contributions to our membership, will continue to benefit IFPTE for many, many years to come.” Congratulations, Brian, and best wishes for continued success.

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SPEEA Professional Unit and Technical Unit Members Agree to Four-Year Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Boeing Company

On Thursday, October 1, SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001 announced that the 17,000 members in the union’s Professional and Technical bargaining units have both ratified four-year contract offers from Boeing. The negotiating team’s message directed to SPEEA members acknowledged the favorable terms of the contract “would not have been possible without your individual actions and our collective strength.” The negotiating team also noted that “we have a new agreement, but our work is not done.” IFPTE applauds the tremendous engagement and efforts of SPEEA members, union leaders, and staff throughout the contract negotiations, and IFPTE looks forward to working with SPEEA leaders in the Pacific Northwest and the Midwest to advance the membership’s priorities between contract negotiations.

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IFPTE Honours National Truth and Reconciliation Day

On September 30, 2026, IFPTE recognized Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the annual national holiday committed to memorializing the victims and survivors of the Canadian Indian Residential School system, whose purpose was to strip Indigenous peoples of their cultures, identities, languages, and ways of life. On this fifth anniversary of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, IFPTE members across North America honour residential school survivors, their families and communities, and those who never returned home. Every Child Matters.

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IFPTE Endorses Adam Hamilton for United States Senate

On behalf of its 90,000 members throughout North America, IFPTE is proud to endorse Adam Hamilton to represent the citizens of Kansas in the United States Senate. Said SPEEA Area Vice President R Matthew Joyce, “As a lifelong Kansan, proud union member, and IFPTE international leader, I join IFPTE in supporting Adam Hamilton for the United States Senate. Kansas working families deserve a senator who understands our challenges and will fight for us in Washington DC.”

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SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001 Treasurer Shaunna Winton Appointed to the CLUW National Officers Council

The Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) held its National Executive Board (NEB) Meeting and Educational Conference September 24-27 in Washington, DC. The theme was “Educate, Organize, Mobilize”. During the business session, Shaunna Winton, Treasurer of SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001, was appointed to represent IFPTE on CLUW’s National Officers Council. IFPTE President Matt Biggs recommended Sister Winton to fill the vacant seat. Congratulations Shaunna.

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Labour News

Global Labour Body Warns Bill C-39 Could Violate Canada’s International Obligations

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has written directly to Prime Minister Mark Carney, warning that Bill C-39’s proposed restrictions on the right to strike are “highly likely to violate” Canada’s international labour obligations under ILO Convention 87.

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‘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!

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Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month – Labor Honors ESC/Local 20 Frankie Preciado

As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO is highlighting our Hispanic brothers and sisters and their accomplishments in the labor movement. IFPTE honors and celebrates our brother, ESC/Local 20 Executive Director Frankie Preciado. View his profile and other profiles for National Hispanic Heritage Month here.

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IFPTE Joins Representatives Walkinshaw and Hoyer, Senator Van Hollen, on Capitol Hill Calling on Congress to Approve a Federal Employee Pay Raise

President Matt Biggs, along with AFGE president, Everett Kelley, NTEU president, Doreen Greenwald, and NFFE president, Randy Erwin, participated in a Capitol Hill press conference this week urging Congress to reject President Trump’s federal worker pay freeze proposal by passing a 4.1% civilian pay increase as a part of the appropriations process. The press conference was organized and attended by Representatives James Walkinshaw and Steny Hoyer, and Senator Chris Van Hollen, all who lead a bipartisan letter signed by 110 congressional lawmakers last week urging congressional leadership to pass the 2027 pay increase before Congress adjourns later this year. Biggs remarked that the Trump pay freeze effort was, “a disgrace and something our national lawmakers of all political stripes should be lining up to get corrected,” while reinforcing IFPTE’s request that Congress “approve a 4.1% pay raise.”

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SPEEA/Local 2001 Prof and Tech Councils Recommend ‘Yes’ Votes on Contracts

The Bargaining Unit Councils for SPEEA’s Professional and Technical units both recommended that their members accept the company’s latest contract offer. In a press release issued on Tuesday, SPEEA’s two councils said that the offers “meet most of the needs of the members.”

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Local 160’s Empowerment Conference Brings Members Together

Last week, members of the Society of United Professionals/Local 160 came together in five locations for the union’s Empowerment Day 2026, a day of learning, connection and reflection centered on the theme of Wellbeing, Psychological Safety and Belonging. Empowerment Day 2026 reaffirmed the union’s commitment to fostering inclusive, supportive workplaces and strengthening connections among members. The discussions and shared experiences throughout the day highlighted the important role collective action plays in creating a culture where everyone can thrive.

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IFPTE Participates in Federal Workforce Union Coalition Lobby Day on Capitol Hill

IFPTE joined members and leaders from AFGE, NFFE-IAM, and NTEU on Capitol Hill this week as a part of a lobby day urging lawmakers to maintain the House-passed Norcross language that restores Department of Defense (DOD) employee collective bargaining rights into the final Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report, pass the Senate version (S.2837) of the Protect America’s Workforce Act (PAWA) that repeals the illegal executive orders signed by President Trump last year seeking to eliminate union rights from 1.3 million federal workers, and reject the Trump Administration’s federal employee pay freeze proposal by passing a 4.1% pay increase for our nation’s civil servants.  Local 98 president, Daniel Kim, joined legislative director, Faraz Khan on Capitol Hill for the meetings.

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Canada’s Unions Push Back on Proposed Strike Restrictions

Canada’s unions are united in opposition to proposed changes to the Canada Labour Code that would give the federal government broad new powers to end legal strikes in the “national interest.” While the legislation includes several measures welcomed by labour – including protections against contract flipping and wage theft – the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) says the proposed restrictions on the right to strike would fundamentally weaken collective bargaining.

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IFPTE in the NEWS

9/25/2026 – Unions Win Withdrawal of Shutdown Mass Firing Orders (Democracy Forward) IFPTE

9/19/2027 – Revenge of the Labor Movement: Democrats with Union Backgrounds Aim to Retake Congress (The Guardian) IFPTE Local 21

9/22/2027 – Public Citizen Endorses Landmark Resolution on Progressive Trade (Public Citizen) IFPTE

9/22/2027 – Lawmakers Push Back on 2027 Federal Pay Freeze (My Federal Retirement) IFPTE

9/16/2026 – ‘Not a Radical Idea’: [click.actionnetwork.org]Revived Push for 32-Hour Workweeks Comes As AI Replaces Human Labor (Patch) IFPTE

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‘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!

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

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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.

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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.

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“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!

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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

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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!

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‘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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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…”.

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“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.

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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!

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‘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!

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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.

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‘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!

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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.

Read More…

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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SAVE THE DATE!!!

IFPTE 62nd Convention

Toronto, ON, Canada

July 19-22, 2027

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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!

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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…”.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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SAVE THE DATE!!!

IFPTE 62nd Convention

Toronto, ON, Canada

July 19-22, 2027

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