THE 2026 BOOK AND TOOL AWARD
is available to children, grandchildren, and first-generation nieces and nephews of IFPTE Local 400 members
Once again, the book and tool award is open to receive applications.
Here is the requirements and application. We will accept applications until July 10, 2026
In Solidarity
Executive Committee
IFPTE Urges Support for the Bipartisan Faster Labor Contracts Act
This week, IFPTE urged House members to sign the discharge petition being championed by IFPTE’s good friend, Congressman Donald Norcross, calling for a full House vote on the bipartisan supported Faster Labor Contracts Act (HR 5408), private sector labor law reform legislation guaranteeing that newly organized Unions can procure a first contract with their employers. In urging support for the underlying legislation and the accompanying discharge petition, IFPTE alerted lawmakers that the legislation, “will help repair a broken process for negotiating first contracts after workers have successfully voted to form a union in the private sector.”
IFPTE Participates in Bipartisan Congressional Federal Workforce Caucus Panel Discussion
IFPTE was one of four Unions invited to participate in the inaugural event of the Congressional Federal Workforce Caucus on Capitol Hill. The discussion, chaired by Virginia Congressman James Walkinshaw, was an opportunity for federal unions and lawmakers to look past the current administration with an eye toward rebuilding the federal workforce now and well into the future.
IFPTE Joins Lawsuit Against Trump Administration Attempt to Politicize the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA)
IFPTE was on of eight Unions signing onto an AFGE-led lawsuit last week in the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts challenging the Trump Administration’s interim final rule shifting employee representational petitions, unit makeups, and election agreements and certifications from the non-partisan, career FLRA Regional Directors to the national FLRA board made-up of three political appointees.
IFPTE Attends Event in Support of Endorsed Congressional Candidate, Connie Chan
This week in Washington DC, IFPTE Local 21 Vice President of Legislative and Political Action/Western Area Vice President Frances Hsieh, Legislative Director Faraz Khan, President Matt Biggs, and Local 70 NPEU/Southeastern Area Vice President Amy Chin-Lai, attended a meet and greet event in support IFPTE’s endorsed Congressional candidate, Connie Chan. The event, which was hosted by California Senator Adam Schiff and Representatives Judy Chu and Grace Meng, served as an opportunity for Unions to meet Chan and learn more about her priorities as a potential member of Congress.
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.
LABOUR NEWS
“Our Power, Our Planet”: April 22, Earth Day 2026
In their Earth Day 2026 messages, both the AFL-CIO and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) are reinforcing a shared priority: the transition to a greener economy must be built by – and for – working people. From clean energy expansion to infrastructure renewal, unions continue to advocate for solutions that create stable, well-paying jobs while reducing environmental impact. Read more on Earth Day activities.
April 28th – Workers Memorial Day – AFL Urges to Hold the Line for Safe Jobs
Elevating workplace safety and health issues is more important than ever. At a time of deep division, the desire for a safe and healthy workplace is something that unites people, and is important for our organizing, bargaining and advocacy. This is an urgent moment to hold the line against attacks on worker health and safety. Read more from the AFL-CIO.
Day of Mourning is April 28th – Canadian Labour Congress Releases Event Locations Across the Nation
April 28th marks the National Day of Mourning to honour Canadian workers who lost their lives or were injured or made sick while working. This most solemn day also provides an opportunity to refocus on preventing future workplace injuries and deaths. Every year, thousands of co-workers, friends and families of fallen workers gather at ceremonies across Canada to recognize the National Day of Mourning and to remember those killed or injured on the job. See the CLC list of Day of Mourning events.
SAVE THE DATE!!!
IFPTE 62nd Convention
Toronto, ON, Canada
July 19-22, 2027
Defense Secretary Hegseth Orders An End to DOD Collective Bargaining – IFPTE Locals are Currently Protected by Court Injunction
Last Friday a memo signed by Defense Secretary Hegseth ordered the elimination of all collective bargaining agreements across the entire Department of Defense (DOD) impacted by President Trump’s illegal March 23, 2025 executive order. The order, however, does not currently apply to IFPTE Locals, and several other Unions due to the injunction we were awarded in our ongoing legal challenge to the order. While the Trump Administration is challenging our injunction, IFPTE Locals across the DOD, which there are many, will continue to operate as usual.
Latest SPEEA Spotlite Reports on Member Recognition Banquet, SPEEA Legislative Efforts in Olympia, Topeka
The April 2026 edition of the award-winning SPEEA Spotlight magazine recently hit the mailboxes of SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001 members. Among the reporting in the monthly member newsletter were articles detailing SPEEA’s honoring several members at the annual Northwest Recognition banquet, member visits with State lawmakers in Topeka, Kansas and Olympia, Washington regarding SPEEA’s legislative priorities, and the election of the Professional and Technical Units bargaining teams in preparation for upcoming negotiations with Boeing.
WAPSO/IFPTE Local 162 Secures Favourable Award
Following several months in the interest arbitration process, WAPSO/IFPTE Local 162 has secured a favourable decision, resulting in a new collective bargaining agreement covering the 2024–2027 term. The award delivers general wage increases totaling 12.75% over the life of the agreement (cumulatively equating to around 13.43% across 4 years) – a strong outcome that reinforces fair and competitive compensation for WAPSO members. All individuals who were members of the WAPSO bargaining unit during the term of the new agreement are eligible for retroactive pay, in accordance with the award. The results proved to be worth the wait and reflect a positive step forward for the Local.
SUP President Honours Ontario Tech Graduates
Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) President, Rebecca Caron attended Ontario Tech University Capstone event on April 13, where she delivered congratulatory remarks to celebrate the achievements of graduating students – the members of our future.
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 here and join IFPTE’s member mobilization letter writing campaign here.
LABOUR NEWS
AFL-CIO and CLC Honor April 28th
April 28th – Workers Memorial Day – AFL Urges to Hold the Line for Safe Jobs
Elevating workplace safety and health issues is more important than ever. At a time of deep division, the desire for a safe and healthy workplace is something that unites people, and is important for our organizing, bargaining and advocacy. This is an urgent moment to hold the line against attacks on worker health and safety. Read more from the AFL-CIO.
Day of Mourning is April 28th – Canadian Labour Congress Releases Event Locations Across the Nation
April 28th marks the National Day of Mourning to honour Canadian workers who lost their lives or were injured or made sick while working. This most solemn day also provides an opportunity to refocus on preventing future workplace injuries and deaths. Every year, thousands of co-workers, friends and families of fallen workers gather at ceremonies across Canada to recognize the National Day of Mourning and to remember those killed or injured on the job. See the CLC list of Day of Mourning events
SAVE THE DATE!!!
IFPTE 62nd Convention
Toronto, ON, Canada
July 19-22, 2027
Trump Administration Budget Request Freezes Federal Employee Pay, Proposes Draconian Spending Levels that will Weaken the American Government – IFPTE Responds
IFPTE responded on Monday to the release of the President’s Budget Request (PBR) for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27), which was sent to Congress on Friday, April 3 and fails to provide for a federal employee pay-raise in calendar year 2027. IFPTE warned that the proposal, “completely misses the mark and fails to meet the needs and concerns of American people,” adding that, “if enacted, it would leave America weaker, less capable of providing services that Americans count on, and under-resourced in the event of emergencies or an economic downturn.”
IFPTE Endorses Connie Chan for Congress
“Connie Chan is the consummate champion for working families, unions, and everyday regular San Franciscans. A former IFPTE Local 21 member herself, Connie is the rare elected official who remains rock solid in her values that the government should work for the people; that billionaires should pay their fair share in taxes to rebuild our safety net; and that unions are essential to America’s success—and she delivers results accordingly,” said IFPTE Local 21 President Bianca Polovina.
IFPTE Northeast Area Locals Hold Their Annual Council Meeting
IFPTE Locals from across the Northeast area gathered together this week in Schenectady, New York as part of the annual IFPTE Northeast Council meeting. The meeting, which was chaired by IFPTE Northeast Council Vice President/Local 400 President, Denise Robinson, included reports of Local leaders, a discussion about organizing efforts in the Northeastern United States, and a report and bargaining update from International Representative, David LaFemina. Robinson commented on the meeting, saying that, “this year’s meeting was a productive one, and served as an opportunity for Locals throughout the Northeast to update each other on the issues impacting their memberships and share ideas of how to address those matters. I thank all of those who attended.”
Canadian Government Raises Federal Minimum Wage
Effective April 1st, minimum wage for federal sector workers in Canada increased to $18.15 per hour, reflecting a 2.1% inflation adjustment for 2025. Approximately 10% of the country’s workforce falls under federal jurisdiction, including members of SUP/IFPTE Local 160 and TEAM/IFPTE Local 161. With annual increases tied to inflation rates, the federal minimum wage rate has cumulatively increased by 21% since it was established in 2021.
IFPTE in the NEWS
Former Immigration Judges and Their Union Discuss Policies that are Undermining Fairness, Due Process, and Judicial Independence of Immigration Court
Policy changes introduced by the Trump Administration have resulted in the departure of more than 100 immigration judges, while those still on the bench are under pressure to prioritize deportation and deny bonds or face potential termination. Immigration judges who bring professionalism, integrity, and a deep understanding of immigration law to the bench should not have to fear being fired for carrying out their duties to the highest standards. Then National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ/IFPTE Judicial Council 2) represents immigration judges who work under the Department of Justice. Read “How Trump Purged Immigration Judges to Speed Up Deportations” in the New York Times.
After Trump Fired Him, S.F. Immigration Judge Went to See the Border for Himself
Former San Francisco immigration judge, Jeremiah Johnson, who was fired by the Trump Administration in November, traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border to see to see what it is like for immigrants coming into the United States. “It was surreal and also made me feel disappointed in the immigration system,” said the 52-year-old judge, who had been working at the downtown San Francisco immigration court for eight years, and practicing immigration law for more than 20. Instead of feeling debilitated, he felt free to do something he had long wanted to do: travel to the U.S.-Mexico border to see what it is like for immigrants coming into the United States — the very people who would stand before him in court to plead their case for why they should be allowed to stay in America. Read the article from the Mission Local.
Recently Departed NASA Research Physicist Discusses the Attack on NASA Science in New York Times
Dr. Kate Marvel, who recently left NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studied (GISS), wrote an opinion piece for the New York Times where she shared her frontline perspective on the dismantling and disruption of NASA’s pioneering science research that she and her colleagues have witnessed over the past year. GESTA/IFPTE Local 29 represents civil servants at GISS. “Humans have access to all this knowledge free of charge because of NASA. That was always part of the promise of government-funded science: discovery for all, wonder as a pledge to be something better and greater than we are,” writes Dr. Marvel. Read “NASA Flew by the Moon, but Behind the Scenes, Its Science Is a Chaotic Mess,” Op-Ed by Kate Marvel, in the New York Times.
SAVE THE DATE!!!
IFPTE 62nd Convention
Toronto, ON, Canada
July 19-22, 2027
Wishing All a Happy Easter!
After Joining Labor Amicus Brief on Birthright Citizenship Case, IFPTE Joins Labor, Activists at Supreme Court
IFPTE president, Matt Biggs, and Assistant to the Executive Director, Brian Kildee, was proud to join others from the Labor Community and activists on Wednesday at the Supreme Court as the nation’s highest court heard arguments related to the Trump Administration’s attempt to eliminate constitutionally protected birthright citizenship.
IFPTE Applauds NASA’s Workforce on Artemis II Launch
“As Artemis II launches, it highlights decades of dedication by NASA workers and union members who helped design and build the spacecraft for the first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit since 1972,” said Tryshanda Moton, NCIL President. “The mission is a source of pride, featuring a historic crew that includes the first person of color, first woman, and first Canadian to circle the Moon. It represents a major achievement made possible by thousands of NASA employees and partners, marking an important milestone for NASA, the nation, and the world.”
NO Kings! – Led by Local 21, IFPTE Locals Across North America Attend No Kings
IFPTE was proud to be one of many North American Labor Unions to once again sponsor the third No Kings rally, which resulted in 8 million people attending over 3,300 rallies across North America. Countless IFPTE Locals and members attended, led by Local 21 whose members marched in San Francisco chanting, “No Corporate Greed. No Thrones. No Kings.”
NPEU/IFPTE Local 70 Members Attend Bargaining Academy Training
Members and leaders from the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU/IFPTE Local 70), attended the Local’s bargaining academy training last Saturday at the IFPTE Union House in Washington, DC. Members from seven different NPEU units attended.
IFPTE Urges House of Representatives to Approve Bipartisan Senate-Passed Homeland Security Funding, End Partial Shutdown
With over 250,000 civilian federal employees at the Department of Homeland Security about to go one month without receiving pay due to a lapse in funding that started on February 14, IFPTE requested that Members of the House of Representatives pass a Homeland Security appropriations bill that has been unanimously passed by the Senate overnight. The Senate passed the funding bill overnight in the early hours of Friday, March 27, with unanimous bipartisan support, and excluded funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol (USBP) enforcement until Congress can agree on immigration enforcement reforms.
IFPTE Endorses Representative Steve Cohen
IFPTE is proud to endorse Congressman Steve Cohen to reelection to Tennessee’s 9th District in the House of Representatives. Rep. Steve Cohen understands the strong relationship between energy production and job opportunities, and that’s why IFPTE is excited to endorse him to continue representing central Tennessee and the thousands of people who work at the Tennessee Valley Authority.
LABOUR NEWS
AFL-CIO on One Year Since Trump’s Union-Busting Executive Order
AFL-CIO President, Liz Shuler, issued a strong statement of Solidarity with Unions like IFPTE on the dubious one-year anniversary of President Trump’s Union-busting attacks aimed at stripping over 1 million federal employees of their collective bargaining rights.
Canada’s Unions Stand in Support and Solidarity with Trans and Gender-Diverse People
On Trans Day of Visibility 2026 (March 31), Canada’s unions affirmed their dedication to defend, celebrate and honour trans and gender-diverse people. Unions have long advocated for gender justice and equitable representation within our workplaces and the broader community.
SAVE THE DATE!!!
IFPTE 62nd Convention
Toronto, ON, Canada
July 19-22, 2027
Courage and Solidarity: Celebrating the Power of Women
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, IFPTE’s Women’s Solidarity Network (WSN) honoured the women whose leadership and solidarity continue to strengthen our union across Canada and the United States. As a part of Women’s History Month, two of IFPTE’s leaders in their respective Locals were profiled by the AFL-CIO: Shaunna Winton on March 19 (SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001) and Tracy Miller on March 23 (SUP/IFPTE Local 160). Let’s all honor our Sisters as well as other Union Sisters by viewing a profile each day of the month!
IFPTE’s Amy Chin-Lai is Panelist at AFL-CIO Summit on Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Southeastern Area Vice President/Local 70 President, Amy Chin-Lai, was one of several panelists at the first-ever AFL-CIO Technology Institute’s national policy summit on artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on workers. The event, which was held in Washington, DC on Thursday, brought together over 400 people from the labor movement, business and other stakeholder groups to discuss foundational principles of AI, including advancing labor’s policy, advocacy and collective bargaining strategies to make AI safer and more equitable for workers and their communities.
IFPTE Members Join Rank-and-File Union Members in Support of Claire Valdez for Congress
Several IFPTE members joined other rank-and-file Union members and leaders last Friday evening in New York City in support current New York Assemblymember Claire Valdez, who is running for the United States Congress. Valdez, who IFPTE called, “a champion for working families and their Unions” in their February 18th endorsement, is running the fill the seat of retiring Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez for New York’s 7th Congressional District. Former IFPTE Local 98 President and current co-executive director of the Federal Unionists Network (FUN), Chris Dols, was also in attendance and applauded Valdez’s commitment to labor.
IFPTE Endorses Senator Ed Markey for Senate
“IFPTE is proud to stand with Ed Markey in his bid to continue representing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States Senate. During his time in public service, Senator Markey has distinguished himself as a leader on a wide range of issues, from workers’ rights to national security. However, his environmental stewardship has defined his leadership and created a legacy that will serve future generations,” said President Biggs.
LABOUR NEWS
Manitoba Federation of Labour Responds to Provincial Budget
Manitoba’s 2026 Budget’s commitments to building and renewing critical infrastructure, like schools, hospitals and Manitoba Hydro projects, through Manitoba Jobs Agreements is good news for Manitoba workers and higher wages and bad news for out-of-province license plates on job sites. And this budget’s greater investment in our apprenticeship system will mean more Manitobans can build their future here at home.
SAVE THE DATE!!!
IFPTE 62nd Convention
Toronto, ON, Canada
July 19-22, 2027
The International, in coordination with IFPTE Locals across sectors, continued last week to submit requests to Congressional appropriators and authorizers in relation to our 2026 legislative priorities. Some of our priorities include IFPTE’s funding requests related to protecting NASA science and aeronautics research from drastic cuts called for by President Trump last year, protecting United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) jobs from being diminished as a result of inefficient and politically motivated reorganizations, and reversing the Trump Administration’s unprecedented union-busting in the federal government by including language defunding the implementation of the two illegal union-busting orders signed by the president last year. On the authorization side of the equation, IFPTE is urging Congress to pass bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) legislation that continues to fund the projects and work performed by IFPTE members at both the USACE and the DOD, including blocking RIFs at our four public naval shipyards across the nation.
In addition to our funding and authorization requests, IFPTE continues to push for passage of legislation to help reverse and mitigate the attacks on federal employees that have been promulgated since President Trump assumed office last year. At the top of that list is passage of the Protecting America’s Workforce Act (PAWA), bipartisan legislation in both the House and Senate that aims to overturn the two Union-busting executive orders. This bill did pass the House last year after achieving an impressive, bipartisan majority of House members not only signing onto the bill, but also signing a discharge petition that enabled the legislation to achieve a full House vote. The Senate version of the bill also has bipartisan support. However, given that legislation in the Senate requires a 60-vote super-majority threshold to achieve Senate approval, coupled with the reality that Senate Majority Leader John Thune would be very unlikely to schedule consideration of this legislation, it is highly unlikely that PAWA can make it through the Senate as an independent bill. IFPTE will not be dissuaded though and will continue to pursue other legislative avenues toward passing PAWA, including through adding PAWA-like language to must-pass authorization measures such as the NDAA, as well as to government funding measures.
As we have reported for several months, the administration’s Union-busting agenda is directly impacting IFPTE members and Locals. While a federal judge has placed an injunction against the first executive order preventing implementation at IFPTE-represented DOD Locals, NASA and DOE among other agencies, are moving forward in implementing the order where IFPTE Locals represent federal workers. Of course, IFPTE has a pending lawsuit challenging the second order that includes NASA, but that case has been stayed pending a decision on several related yet to be heard cases in federal court and therefore has no injunction in place. IFPTE is obviously disappointed in NASA’s apparent eagerness to engage in Union-busting, calling it “both shameful and sad.” Regardless of how agencies elect to proceed moving forward, including NASA, IFPTE will continue to grow our Local Unions, build our strength, and represent our members.
All of this brings us once again to the importance of federal Locals signing up for the IFPTE EDues program, whether dues deduction continues to exist or not. As labor unions, it is critical that we proactively take charge of the things we can control, in part by collecting dues from our members in order to grow and strengthen our Unions regardless of what a court or an illegal executive order determines. These actions are very much in our control and are endeavors that we can successfully implement to grow our strength, and in turn our ability to continue to represent our members. In this regard, the IFPTE International officers, and especially the skilled organizing staff, are here to help each federal Local transition to EDues. There is no time like the present for our Locals to grow our collective strength! Please contact Pavel Gerardo (pgerardo@ifpte.org) and Brian Kildee (bkildee@ifpte.org) to get signed up for EDues.
We will continue to keep Locals updated here next Monday.
Solidarity!
LEGISLATIVE:
LEGAL:
GRASSROOTS:
PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS:
Throughout 2025, the IFPTE Clips Team kept federal sector members informed and updated on the unmerited attacks against civil servants from the Trump Administration and a complicit majority party in Congress. To stay informed in 2026, sign up for IFPTE Federal News & Updates and encourage a coworker to do the same.
Courage and Solidarity: Celebrating the Power of Women
During Women’s History Month, IFPTE’s Women’s Solidarity Network (WSN) honours the women whose leadership and solidarity continue to strengthen our union across Canada and the United States. As a part of Women’s History Month, two of IFPTE’s leaders in their respective Locals will be profiled by the AFL-CIO: Shaunna Winton on March 19 (SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001) and Tracy Miller on March 23 (SUP/IFPTE Local 160). Let’s all honor our Sisters as well as other Union Sisters by viewing a profile each day of the month!
Secretary-Treasurer Henson Talks Union Leadership, Public Service on America’s Work Force Union Podcast
In recognition of Women’s History Month, Secretary-Treasurer Henson was a guest this month on America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her path to IFPTE Union leadership, IFPTE’s efforts to fight against the unprecedented Union busting in the federal sector, and the membership’s dedication to public service. Hosted by legendary radio broadcaster, Ed “Flash” Ferenc, America’s Work Force Union Podcast is the number one Union podcast in America.
SUP/IFPTE Local 160 Members Jazmin Evers and Alika Hendricks Attend Commission on the Status of Women
Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) members, Jazmin Evers and Alika Hendricks, attended the Commission on the Sta) tus of Women (CSW) meetings at the United Nations in New York during their annual session at the United Nations in New York from March 9th to the 16th. Evers and Hendricks, who are leaders of the SUP’s legal professionals Local, attended the meetings as delegates with the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) delegation.
History Made at New Jersey State AFL-CIO 20th Annual WILD Conference
IFPTE members across New Jersey were proud to attend the New Jersey State AFL-CIO’s 20th Annual Women in Leadership Development (WILD) conference last Friday. With over 350 union women from all sectors of the labor movement in attendance, the WILD conference was a resounding success, with the highlight of the conference being addresses to attendees by three strong women leaders who have made history including Governor Mikie Sherrill, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, and New Jersey State AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Laurel Brennan.
IFPTE Joins NFFE, IAMAW on NTEU-led Joint Comments Opposing OPM’s Latest Power Grab Against Federal Workers
IFPTE was proud join the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) on joint comments being led by the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) opposing the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) attempt to remove federal employees being subjected to a Reduction-in-Force from appealing their dismissal to a neutral decider, calling it, “an extraordinary power grab that concentrates RIF appeals-related authority solely within OPM and the executive branch.”
LABOUR NEWS
CLC Webinar: Addressing the Housing Crisis
The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) has launched a new webinar series in 2026, The Issues and You, designed to deepen workers’ understanding of the issues shaping our lives, our unions, and the broader labour movement. Their upcoming webinar on March 31 will look at the housing crisis and how the federal government is addressing it.
SAVE THE DATE!!!
IFPTE 62nd Convention
Toronto, ON, Canada
July 19-22, 2027
Courage and Solidarity: Celebrating the Power of Women
During Women’s History Month, IFPTE honours the women whose leadership and solidarity continue to strengthen our union across Canada and the United States. As a part of Women’s History Month, two of IFPTE’s leaders in their respective Locals will be profiled by the AFL-CIO: Tracy Miller on March 23 (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) and Shaunna Winton on March 19 (SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001). Let’s all honor our Sisters as well as other Union Sisters by viewing a profile each day of the month! If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
IFPTE Locals, International Meet with New Jersey AFL-CIO Leaders
Led by IFPTE Atlantic Area Vice Presidents, Sean McBride (Local 196 president) and Steve Pinto (Local 195 president), leaders from Locals 194, 195 and 196, along with international President, Matt Biggs and Secretary-Treasurer, Gay Henson, met this week in Trenton, New Jersey, with New Jersey AFL-CIO President, Charlie Wowkanech and Secretary-Treasurer, Laurel Brennan. The meeting was set to review and strategize about the policy and organizing priorities of IFPTE represented members throughout the State, as well as IFPTE’s involvement in the State Federation’s highly effective legislative and grassroots mobilization programs. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
SUP/IFPTE 160 Attends Lunar New Year Celebration
Members of the Society of United Professionals/IFPTE Local 160 were proud to attend the Toronto & York Region Labour Council’s Lunar New Year Banquet on March 6, hosted by the Chinese Workers Network. The evening brought together members from unions across the labour movement to celebrate Lunar New Year with vibrant cultural performances and remarks from distinguished guests, including Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
LABOUR NEWS
Manitoba Requires Employers to Provide No Cost Menstrual Products to Workers
Earlier this week, Manitoba became the first Canadian province to require employers to make menstrual products available to workers at no cost while on the job. The amendments to the Workplace Safety and Health Regulations apply to all provincially regulated employers – covering about 90% of Manitoba’s workforce, including members of WAPSO/IFPTE Local 162 – and will come into effect in early August 2026. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
Canadian Government Creates Tripartite Advisory Council on Labour Policy
The Government of Canada has announced the creation of a new Tripartite Advisory Council to provide advice on federal labour policy and emerging workplace issues. The council brings together representatives from labour organizations, employers, and government to provide ongoing input on workplace matters affecting federally regulated sectors and employees, which include members of the Society of United Professionals/IFPTE Local 160 and TEAM/IFPTE Local 161. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
SAVE THE DATE!!!
IFPTE 62nd Convention
Toronto, ON, CanadaJuly 19-22, 2027
Courage and Solidarity: Celebrating the Power of Women
On International Women’s Day—celebrated around the world—and during Women’s History Month in the United States, the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) honours the women whose leadership and solidarity continue to strengthen our union across Canada and the United States.
As a part of Women’s History Month, two of IFPTE’s leaders in their respective Locals will be profiled by the AFL-CIO: Tracy Miller on March 23 (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) and Shaunna Winton on March 19 (SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001). Let’s all honor our Sisters as well as other Union Sisters by viewing a profile each day of the month!
Read WSN’s Letter of Solidarity…
SUP/IFPTE Local 160 President Speaks on EHRC Panel for IWD
Marking International Women’s Day, the Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) President Rebecca Caron joined a distinguished virtual panel organized by Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) earlier this week.
History Made: IFPTE Honors Roxanne Brown on Being Sworn in as United Steelworkers of America (USW) President
IFPTE was proud to have the opportunity to attend the swearing-in ceremony for the new officers of the United Steelworkers of America (USW), including newly minted President, Roxanne Brown. President Brown is the 10th president of the historic Union, and the first woman and person of color elected to the lead the Union.
CLC Celebrates IWD by Hosting Event: Union Women Rise Up for Gender Justice
In honour of International Women’s Day (IWD), the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is hosting a powerful conversation on how union women are defending pay equity, health and safety, collective bargaining, and human rights at this year’s UN Commission on the Status of Women.
IFPTE Endorses SPEEA Member David Garrett for State Representative
IFPTE is proud to endorse SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001 member, David Garrett, for Washington State Representative as he seeks to represent Washington state’s 39th legislative district
SPEEA Council Reps Elect Northwest Prof and Tech Bargaining Teams
SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001’s Bargaining Unit Councils of the Northwest Prof and Tech bargaining units recently elected the teams that will represent SPEEA members in negotiations with Boeing later this year.
IFPTE Urges the “Prioritization of Worker Safety” for Federal Civilian Employees Working in the Middle East
As the war in Iran continues, along with attacks on U.S. military installations across the Middle East where both military and civilian personnel work and live, IFPTE released the following statement regarding civilian federal workers who are risking their lives in support of the nation.
IFPTE Attends Biannual AFL-CIO Executive Council Meeting
President Matt Biggs and Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson participated in the biannual AFL-CIO Executive Council meeting this week at the AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, DC.
IFPTE Honors APWU President Mark Dimondstein on His Retirement
Longtime friend to IFPTE, Mark Dimondstein, recently retired from the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) after serving 12 years as President and 42 years of membership
SAVE THE DATE!!!
IFPTE 62nd Convention
Toronto, ON, Canada
July 19-22, 2027
IFPTE Local 400 