IFPTE Federal Sector Round Up on Trump/Musk and
DOGE Attacks on Federal Workers

This week the Republican led House of Representatives continued moving through proposed huge cuts to taxpayer funded services that fall under respective committee jurisdiction.   These cuts, which include a $715 billion cut to Medicaid and another $300 billion cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), come on the heels of cuts to federal employee pensions approved by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee two weeks ago. As a reminder, the Oversight Committee approved cuts impacting federal workers are:

• Raising the FERS retirement contribution rate for all federal and postal employees to 4.4% of their salary.
• Eliminating the FERS supplement payment for federal employees retiring before age 62 (federal occupations with retirement required before age 62 are exempted).
• Basing a federal retiree’s annuity payment on their average highest five earning years, instead of the current highest three earning years.  
• Forcing new federal employee hires to be “at will” employees without merit system protections or choose to maintain merit system protections and pay an additional 5% FERS contribution rate, totaling 9.4% of pay, which is effectively a 5% pay cut.
• Charging a $350 fee for federal employees to gain access to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).

It is worth reminding IFPTE’s membership, federal and non-federal alike, that these draconian and damaging cuts moving through the House of Representatives are intended to be included in a budget reconciliation bill that, as of now, Speaker Mike Johnson says will be before the full house next week – the week of May 19th. In other words, Speaker Johnson, the overall House Republican leadership and majority, and the Trump Administration are attempting to force through a budget reconciliation bill that proposes for federal workers, Veterans, seniors and the disabled that are Medicaid recipients, and food stamp and free and reduced lunch program students and recipients to pay for making permanent the Trump tax cuts that overwhelmingly go to billionaires and corporations. Robin Hood in reverse is unfortunately alive and well in the United States House of Representatives. IFPTE will continue to work against these efforts as this continues to move through the House, and eventually over to the Senate.  

IFPTE was also on Capitol Hill this week participating on panels and meeting with staff and lawmakers. IFPTE’s legislative director Faraz Khan participated in a Congressional Labor Caucus Federal Employee Working Group briefing this week, providing lawmakers with the latest developments on union litigation efforts against the Trump EOs and firings, and a discussion of labor’s legislative requests to help block and mitigate the anti-federal worker policies of the Trump Administration. Meanwhile, IFPTE President Matt Biggs participated in a Democratic Member Roundtable on Oversight Reconciliation Provisions aimed at increasing pension contributions of federal workers without any corresponding pension benefit increase – i.e., a pay cut for federal workers.   The roundtable was organized by Representatives Stephen Lynch (D-MA) and Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and was intended to help House members and staff better understand the gravity of the efforts of the House to cut federal employee pensions and benefits to help fund the Trump tax cut.   And, of course IFPTE continues work with Congressional offices to gain cosponsors for HR 2550, bipartisan legislation overturning Trump’s latest Executive Order aimed at eliminating collective bargaining rights for some 1 million federal workers and eliminating union payroll dues deduction. The bipartisan cosponsor list has reached 221 this week, and the labor movement, including IFPTE, are pushing for a discharge petition to get the bill to the House floor. More on that below…

Additionally, two Fridays ago, President Trump reached deep into the Legislative Branch of government and took the unprecedented step of firing the head of the Library of Congress.   Given that the Republican majority has already all but handed over their Article I responsibilities of making law and appropriating and spending money over to President Trump, this only adds to what increasingly looks like a Bonafide constitutional crisis. Congress, regardless of who controls it and regardless of who sits in the White House, has never handed over their co-equal branch of government constitutional responsibilities to the Executive – until now.   This latest action of firing the head of a Legislative Branch agency raises serious concerns and begs the question: How far will the Trump Administration go intervening into the Legislative Branch, and will the Republican led Congress allow it? IFPTE will continue to monitor this situation and work against it.

Finally, this was a historic week at IFPTE, as it marked the week that the first group of IFPTE members signed up for the EDues program. Of course, this became necessary because of President Trump’s Executive Order eliminating union dues payroll deduction across most federal agencies. We again thank all of the Locals across the IFPTE family that stepped up to support IFPTE’s federal sector by contributing to the set up cost of the EDues system. THANK YOU is again in order to Locals 1, 20, 21, 70, 160, 162, 194, 195, 1921 and 2001 for your generous contributions to the EDues program!

Legislative: 

1. Good news – The Protect America’s Workers Act (HR 2550) introduced last month by Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and Democratic Rep. Jared Golden to repeal the Trump Executive Order (EO) eliminating collective bargaining rights for 1.5 million federal workers, now has 221 cosponsors, representing more than 50% of the House of Representatives.   This means that IFPTE and labor can now pivot to working to get these cosponsors to sign a discharge petition to force a full vote of the House of Representatives. A discharge petition is needed because despite the overwhelming support for the legislation, House Speaker Mike Johnson will not schedule the bill for consideration. See IFPTE’s letter supporting the House bill.
2. Legislative Director Faraz Khan continues to work with key Senators to procure a similar bill to the Fitzpatrick-Golden bill in the Senate, and IFPTE anticipates a bill to be introduced in the coming days, with Virginia Senator Mark Warner expected to author the Senate version of the bill. Please continue to Call your Congressional Representative and ask them to cosponor the bipartisan Protect America’s Workforce Act
3. Tell Congress: Hands Off Federal Employees’ Retirement Benefits and Merit System Protections. As stipulated above, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee voted in late April to cut $51 billion over the next ten years from the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) and make other changes that undermine our nonpartisan civil service. Congress will be considering passing these spending cuts in a budget reconciliation bill that will include between $1.5 to $2 trillion in spending cuts to offset a portion of $4.5 trillion in tax cuts for the wealthy and for corporations (the $2.5 to 3 billion in tax cuts that aren’t offset will result in a significant increase to the federal deficit). Slashing retirement benefits and reducing the take-home pay of federal workers will trigger an exodus of experienced and skilled federal workers and hollow out agencies that provide essential services and functions. Congress needs to hear from everyday Americans that lawmakers should be preserving the government’s ability to recruit and retain the best talent America has to offer to address the challenges our nation faces, support our national security and economic prosperity, provide the American people with high-quality services, and keep our communities safe. Even though the House Oversight Committee passed these cuts this week, it is not too late to weigh-in. This fight is far from over. Email Your Representative and Senators and urge them to oppose any cuts to federal employees’ retirement benefits, any reductions to take-home pay, and any effort to force newly hired federal employees to choose between pay and civil service protections. https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-congress-hands-off-federal-employees-retirement-benefits-and-merit-system-protections/
4. IFPTE continues to ask lawmakers to cosponsor HR 3093, The “Restoring Employment and Hiring Incentives for Removed Employees Act” or REHIRE Act to rebuild the federal workforce by providing a hiring preference for federal workers who were fired or otherwise involuntarily removed during the Trump Administration, and; HR 3094, the ‘‘Probationary Reduction for Employee Protections Act’’ or PREP Act would clarify that federal employees who are new to the competitive service have a 1-year probationary period, and employees who are moving to a new competitive service position from another position will have a 6-month probationary period. Both bills are authored by Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) and IFPTE is encouraging Locals to also urge their House members to cosponsor these bills.

Legal:

The May 7th injunction on the Trump union busting EO in the NTEU lawsuit remains in place. While IFPTE’s and the larger labor movement’s analysis that the Judge’s ruling on the injunction makes clear that all federal agencies are covered, government attorneys attempting to protect the Trump union-busting agenda argue otherwise. We also continue to monitor the AFGE case in the Northern District of California, which has a longer briefing schedule that continues through this summer.

1. Judge issues two-week temporary restraining order (TRO) pausing RIFs at many government agencies, including EPA and SSA – On Friday , May 9, 2025, Judge Illston in the Northern District of California issued a two-week temporary restraining order, pausing implementation of Executive Order 14210 and agency-level Reduction-in-Force (RIF) activity across dozens of federal agencies.  The case was brought by unions and nonprofit plaintiffs against the Trump administration based upon “fundamental questions of executive authority and separation of powers.” 

The Court found plaintiffs are likely to succeed on their claims that Executive Order 14210 and the related agency directives are unlawful and exceed executive authority under both the APA and the Constitution.  The judge found that Plaintiffs demonstrated imminent, irreparable harm, as RIFs were set to begin as early as May 18, also emphasizing the importance of preserving Congressional authority over agency functions and finding that the public interest favored maintaining the status quo.  The TRO affects a wide range of agencies, including HHS, HUD, DOL, VA, SBA, SSA, and AmeriCorps. The ruling was issued following the submission of over 1,000 pages of declarations from unions, nonprofits, and local governments.  In granting its temporary restraining order, the court noted several times that “the President may not, without Congress, fundamentally reorganize the federal agencies.”

The restraining order applies to the following agencies:  OMB, OPM, DOGE, USDA, Commerce, Energy, HHS, HUD, Interior, Labor, State, Treasury, Transportation, VA, AmeriCorps, EPA, GSA, NLRB, NSF, SBA, and SSA and their efforts to implement or enforce sections 3(c) and 3(e) of Executive Order 14210 or the February 26, 2025 OMB/OPM Memorandum.  The court further ordered discovery of Agency RIF and Reorganization Plans (ARRPs) due May 13, 2025.  Plaintiff’s request for a preliminary injunction is due May 14, 2025 and a  preliminary injunction (PI) hearing will be held in person on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 10:30 a.m PDT.  Here is a copy of the ruling, and a link to a GovExec article. 

While this ruling does cover EPA and SSA, where IFPTE members work, it does not cover other federal agencies where IFPTE members are employed, including DOD. 

2. IFPTE is a co-plaintiff in a RIF case in D.C. District Court covering all of our locals, including DOD. As we previously informed you, plaintiffs’ requests for a TRO and PI were rejected by the court. This case is still pending on the merits; the government filed a motion to dismiss on May 15.     Here is the amended complaint.  We will keep Locals updated as this litigation continues.

3. NTEU case against EO 14251 – On April 28, the D.C. District Court issued an opinion to accompany its April 25 order issuing a preliminary injunction against Executive Order 14251. This EO attempts to strip collective bargaining rights from the vast majority of the federal workforce under the pretext of a statutory national security exemption. The court specifically noted in its opinion that the union challenged the entire Executive Order EO, stating that the lack of evidence of any impact on national security correspondingly warrants “enjoining Section 2 of the Executive Order in its entirety” [emphasis added]. NTEU v. Trump, Case No. 1:25-cv-935 (D.D.C.), Dkt. 34 at 44-45.” This means that the administration is prevented from implementing the order at all, including in agencies like the Department of Defense and Social Security Administration, where IFPTE represents tens of thousands of workers. We note that the injunction has been appealed to the D.C. Circuit, and that we do expect the merits of the case to eventually reach the Supreme Court.   See the NTEU lawsuit here.

4. More lawsuits to come – As part of the overall litigation strategy, IFPTE is part of a coalition of unions joining together to file an additional lawsuit against the Executive Order in a venue to be determined. We thank those locals that have already provided information to our Legal Department and ask that local leaders continue to do so as we prepare.   Please contact IFPTE General Counsel Teresa Ellis at tellis@ifpte.org with any pertinent information regarding specific impacts from the imposition of the EO.

5. IFPTE RIF guidance to Locals – Please see the March 11 memo from IFPTE GC, Teresa Ellis, and Greg McGillivary of McGillivary Steele Elkin regarding Reductions-In-Force (RIFs) and Mass Terminations of Federal Employees. OPM, OMB and DOGE mandated that federal agencies produce RIF lists by April 14.   RIF guidance memo here.

• See the February 26th OPM memo instructing agencies to largely ignore RIF language in union negotiated CBA’s and calling on agencies to identify positions to RIF by April 14.  IFPTE recommends that Locals file grievances if management refuses to abide negotiated RIF language in their respective CBAs. 

6. Legal support for federal workers – Rise Up, Fight Back – Hundreds of thousands of federal workers have had their basic rights violated on the job—including tens of thousands who have been fired illegally. Federal workers have an urgent need for legal support. Federal workers now have a network of lawyers helping to get them the justice they deserve.  See the GovExec article here.

7. Status of all lawsuits against the current administration can be found at  Just Security: [url1005.email.actionnetwork.org] “Litigation Tracker:  Legal Challenges to Trump Administration Actions.”

Grassroots

1. “Civil Service Strong” coalition – IFPTE is proud to announce our partnership with the Civil Service Strong project of Democracy Forward, along with other unions, to support our members who are civil servants under attack by the Trump administration. Alongside the 95% of people who believe civil servants should be hired and promoted based on their merit rather than their political beliefs, Civil Service Strong is committed to supporting a career, non-partisan civil service and the people who power it. Learn more here.
2. MAKE A CALL – Restore Federal Employee Rights Now – IFPTE joins the AFL-CIO campaign asking every single American who cares about the fundamental freedom of all workers to join a union to call their member of Congress right now. Fill out the form on the right to receive a call or dial 844-896-5059. Learn more here.
3. IFPTE Members are telling their Congressional lawmakers: “Hands Off Federal Employees’ Retirement Benefits and Merit System Protection” – Don’t allow millionaires and billionaires in Congress and the White House use federal employees as a cost offset for budget reconciliation legislation. Learn more here… https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-congress-hands-off-federal-employees-retirement-benefits-and-merit-system-protections/

Public Relations and Communications

Last week’s newsclips featured an in-depth interview with IFPTE President Matt Biggs.  Coming up this week, a special “Legal Edition” of the clips will update readers on key cases, court decisions and Congressional actions related to the ongoing assault on our legal system and erosion of due process.  

1. America’s Workforce Podcast – IFPTE President Matt Biggs, called the Trump Administration’s and the Republic led Congress’ plans to gut Medicaid and Federal Employee pensions and use those funds to pay for the Trump tax cut for billionaires, “outrageous and deplorable.” Hear it here at the 38:30 mark [url1005.email.actionnetwork.org].

To sign up for clips, please fill out this form: https://www.ifpte.org/federal-news-clips

IFPTE Federal Sector Round Up on Trump/Musk and
DOGE Attacks on Federal Workers

The IFPTE federal sector EDues program launched this week with our pilot Locals (1, 32, 121 and 1921) working with the International to sign up members to pay their dues through the new payment system. This became necessary, of course, because of President Trump’s Executive Order eliminating Union dues payroll deduction across most federal agencies. SOLIDARITY is also alive and well across the IFPTE family, as several Locals stepped up to contribute seed money toward the EDues system. Many thanks to Locals 1, 20, 21, 70, 160, 162, 194, 195, 1921 and 2001 for your generous contributions to the EDues program!

The IFPTE International and IFPTE Locals across the nation also continued to fight this week against the ongoing attacks against Civil Servants by the Trump Administration. Included in this week’s activities – IFPTE legislative director, Faraz Khan’s continues work with congressional offices to gain cosponsors for HR 2550, bipartisan legislation overturning Trump’s latest Executive Order aimed at eliminating collective bargaining rights for some 1 million federal workers and eliminating Union payroll dues deduction. More on that below.

It is important to remind IFPTE’s federal sector membership that last week the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee passed through several measures intended to be included in a budget reconciliation bill later this Summer or Fall. Led by the Republican majority, the Committee passed on a party-line vote with all but one Republican (Rep. David Joyce) for and all Democrats voting against reckless proposals aimed at forcing federal workers and others to pay for tax cuts for billionaires and corporations. These proposals that passed the House Committee include:

• Raising the FERS retirement contribution rate for all federal and postal employees to 4.4% of their salary.
• Eliminating the FERS supplement payment for federal employees retiring before age 62 (federal occupations with retirement required before age 62 are exempted).
• Basing a federal retiree’s annuity payment on their average highest five earning years, instead of the current highest three earning years.
• Forcing new federal employee hires choose to be “at will” employees without merit system protections or choose to maintain merit system protections and pay an additional 5% FERS contribution rate, totaling 9.4% of pay, which is effectively a 5% pay cut.
• Charging a $350 fee for federal employees to gain access to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).

You can read more about these proposals, which IFPTE, the larger movement, and IFPTE Locals have opposed, here.   Keep in mind that while these proposals have passed through Committee, they are not binding, and the President and the Congressional Republican Majority still have a long way to go to ultimately get them into a budget package and pass them into law. IFPTE will be fighting this at every step.

Legislative:

1)     Good news – The Protect America’s Workers Act (HR 2550) introduced last month by Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and Democratic Rep. Jared Golden to repeal the Trump Executive Order (EO) eliminating collective bargaining rights for 1.5 million federal workers, now has 219 cosponsors, representing more than 50% of the House of Representatives.   This means that IFPTE and labor can now pivot to working to get these cosponsors to sign a discharge petition to force a full vote of the House of Representatives. A discharge petition is needed because despite the overwhelming support for the legislation, House Speaker Mike Johnson will not schedule the bill for consideration. See IFPTE’s letter supporting the House bill.

2)     Legislative Director Faraz Khan continues to work with key Senators to procure a similar bill to the Fitzpatrick-Golden bill in the Senate. Call your Congressional Representative and ask them to cosponsor the bipartisan Protect America’s Workforce Act.

3)      Tell Congress: Hands Off Federal Employees’ Retirement Benefits and Merit System Protections.  As stipulated above, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee voted last week to cut $51 billion over the next ten years from the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) and make other changes that undermine our nonpartisan civil service. Congress will be considering passing these spending cuts in a budget reconciliation bill that will include between $1.5 to $2 trillion in spending cuts to offset a portion of $4.5 trillion in tax cuts for the wealthy and for corporations (the $2.5 to 3 billion in tax cuts that aren’t offset will result in a significant increase to the federal deficit). Slashing retirement benefits and reducing the take-home pay of federal workers will trigger an exodus of experienced and skilled federal workers and hollow out agencies that provide essential services and functions. Congress needs to hear from everyday Americans that lawmakers should be preserving the government’s ability to recruit and retain the best talent America has to offer to address the challenges our nation faces, support our national security and economic prosperity, provide the American people with high-quality services, and keep our communities safe. Even though the House Oversight Committee passed these cuts this week, it is not too late to weigh in. This fight is far from over. Email Your Representative and Senators and urge them to oppose any cuts to federal employees’ retirement benefits, any reductions to take-home pay, and any effort to force newly hired federal employees to choose between pay and civil service protections. https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-congress-hands-off-federal-employees-retirement-benefits-and-merit-system-protections/

4)       IFPTE reported last week that Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) introduced two IFPTE-endorsed bills that would protect federal workers and give fired federal workers an opportunity to return to the civil service. The “Restoring Employment and Hiring Incentives for Removed Employees Act” or REHIRE Act would rebuild the federal workforce by providing a hiring preference for federal workers who were fired or otherwise involuntarily removed during the Trump Administration and the ‘‘Probationary Reduction for Employee Protections Act’’ or PREP Act would clarify that federal employees who are new to the competitive service have a 1-year probationary period, and employees who are moving to a new competitive service position from another position will have a 6-month probationary period. IFPTE is encouraging Locals to urge their House members to cosponsor these bills. 5)       The Congressional Labor Caucus, led by pro-labor caucus Co-Chairs Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), and Steve Horsford (D-NV), have been leading voices inside Congress on the attacks on federal workers and their unions. On April 30, the Labor Caucus released its report on the Trump Administration’s attack on worker rights and labor unions across all sectors. Read the 10-page report here

Legal:

The legal report from last week remains unchanged.  While an injunction on the Trump Union busting EO has been put in place in the NTEU lawsuit and does apply to all agencies impacted by the Executive Order, IFPTE-represented agencies are not recognizing the NTEU ruling. That said, IFPTE is hopeful that the AFGE case in California will be heard soon and result in the issuance of an injunction similar to the one issued in the NTEU lawsuit. See below:

1)       EO 14251 – On April 28, the D.C. District Court issued an opinion to accompany its April 25 order issuing a preliminary injunction against Executive Order 14251. This EO attempts to strip collective bargaining rights from the vast majority of the federal workforce under the pretext of a statutory national security exemption. The court specifically noted in its opinion that the union challenged the EO in its entirety and that the lack of evidence of any impact on national security correspondingly warrants “enjoining Section 2 of the Executive Order in its entirety.” (emphasis supplied). NTEU v. Trump, Case No. 1:25-cv-935 (D.D.C.), Dkt. 34 at 44-45.” This means that the administration is prevented from implementing the order at all, including in agencies like the Department of Defense and Social Security Administration, where IFPTE represents tens of thousands of workers. We note that the injunction has been appealed to the D.C. Circuit, and that we do expect the merits of the case to eventually reach the Supreme Court.   See the NTEU lawsuit here.

2)       As part of the overall litigation strategy, IFPTE is expected to join a similar coalition lawsuit when the time is right based on the litigation making its way through various courts to block the Executive Order. In preparation, IFPTE asks Locals impacted by the Executive Order to provide evidence of damage done to the Local and members due to the union busting EO. Please contact IFPTE General Counsel, Teresa Ellis at tellis@ifpte.org with any pertinent information regarding specific impacts from the imposition of the EO.

3)       IFPTE RIF guidance to Locals – We continue to include the March 11 memo from IFPTE GC, Teresa Ellis, and Greg McGillivary of the McGillivary Steele Elkin law firm regarding Reductions-In-Force (RIFs) and Mass Terminations of Federal Employees , given that OPM, OMB and DOGE mandated that federal agencies produce RIF lists by April 14.  See that RIF guidance memo here.

• See the February 26^th OPM memoinstructing agencies to largely ignore RIF language in Union negotiated CBA’s and calling on agencies to identify positions to RIF by April 14. IFPTE recommends that Locals file grievances if management refuses to abide negotiated RIF language in their respective CBAs.

4)       Legal support for federal workers – Rise Up, Fight Back – Hundreds of thousands of federal workers have had their basic rights violated on the job—including tens of thousands who have been fired illegally. Federal workers have an urgent need for legal support. Federal workers now have a network of lawyers helping to get them the justice they deserve.   See the GovExec article here. 5)       Status of all lawsuits against the current administration can be found at Just Security: “Litigation Tracker: Legal Challenges to Trump Administration Actions

Grassroots

1)       “Civil Service Strong” coalition – IFPTE is proud to announce our partnership with the Civil Service Strong project of Democracy Forward, along with other unions, to support our members who are civil servants under attack by the Trump administration. Alongside the 95% of people who believe civil servants should be hired and promoted based on their merit rather than their political beliefs, Civil Service Strong is committed to supporting a career, non-partisan civil service and the people who power it. Learn more here.

2)       MAKE A CALL – Restore Federal Employee Rights Now – IFPTE joins the AFL-CIO campaign asking every single American who cares about the fundamental freedom of all workers to join a union to call their member of Congress right now. Fill out the form on the right to receive a call or dial 844-896-5059. Learn more here [url1005.email.actionnetwork.org].

3)       IFPTE Members are telling their Congressional lawmakers: “Hands Off Federal Employees’ Retirement Benefits and Merit System Protection” While IFPTE and other federal unions are working in coalition to oppose the inclusion of any “reforms” that increase the cost of federal employee benefits or cut benefits, lawmakers need to hear from their constituents. Email your Representative and Senators.  The proposals under consideration go after civil service protections by making any newly hired federal workers choose between “at will” employment and paying a lower FERS contribution rate or retaining merit system rights and paying a higher FERS contribution rate. Merit system rights are not merely protections for federal workers, they protect Americans by providing accountable and professional management of government that works for the American public, not partisan causes and not corrupt private interests. Tell Congress to oppose any cuts or “reforms” to earned federal employment benefits, including changes to the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) and Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHB), as a cost offset for budget reconciliation legislation. Learn more here… https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-congress-hands-off-federal-employees-retirement-benefits-and-merit-system-protections/

Public Relations and Communications

This week’s news clips featured a round-up of town hall meetings held in Congressional Districts across the country. Ever since the Musk/DOGE assault on the civil service began, some members of Congress have had the choice of facing angry constituents or hiding from them.   Some of the highlights of this round-up include:

Michigan: Empty Chairs
Michigan Advance

Some members of the public expressed frustration at Barrett’s absence, arguing that he was not doing his job as a representative of the people. “We’re the ones paying their salaries; they live off our taxes, so they should represent us. But as you can see, he isn’t here. That’s just wrong,” said Lorenzo Lopez, a Lansing activist and resident.

https://michiganadvance.com/2025/04/23/absent-tom-barrett-7th-district-town-hall-meeting-lets-constituents-express-concerns-frustrations/

Florida: More Empty Chairs
The Guardian

Another voter, a resident of Levy county, said at the town hall they are concerned about cuts to the Federal Emergency Management Agency as the county is still recovering from Hurricane Helene last year. “We are still rebuilding,” they said. “I need you to represent us, not Trump.”

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/29/empty-chair-town-hall-republicans-florida

New York: Constituents Dragged Out of Chairs
Rolling Stone

Emily Feiner of Nyack was forcibly removed by New York State Police. “I’m not leaving,” she said. “You are taking on an old Jewish woman.” A police officer lifted her out of her seat by her armpits. She held up peace signs as two police officers carried her away. The audience chanted “Let her stay!” and “Shame! Shame! Shame!” and stood up and booed as she was removed.

https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/mike-lawler-town-hall-chaos-woman-removed-1235331885/

IFPTE Federal Sector Round Up on Trump/Musk and
DOGE Attacks on Federal Workers

This week brought another flurry of activity by IFPTE and the larger labor movement to combat the Trump Administration’s illegal and unjustified attacks on federal workers. This week also saw the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, led by the Republican majority, pass a draconian set of proposals that cut federal pensions and implements other draconian, anti-federal worker proposals, to potentially be included in a budget reconciliation bill aimed to force federal workers and others to pay for tax cuts for billionaires and corporations. The proposals that passed the House Committee include:

• Raises the FERS retirement contribution rate for all federal and postal employees to 4.4% of their salary.
• Eliminates the FERS supplement payment for federal employees retiring before age 62 (federal occupations with retirement required before age 62 are exempted).
• Bases a federal retiree’s annuity payment on their average highest five earning years, instead of the current highest three earning years.
• Makes new federal employee hires choose to be “at will” employees without merit system protections or choose to maintain merit system protections and pay an additional 5% FERS contribution rate, totaling 9.4% of pay, which is effectively a 5% pay cut.
• Charges federal employees a fee for Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) filings equivalent to the fee for filing a civil lawsuit in federal district court, which is $350.

You can read more about these proposals, which IFPTE, the larger movement, and IFPTE Locals have opposed, here.

Finally, IFPTE continues its work in building an E-Dues program that is expected to be launched next week in a pilot phase (Locals 1, 32, 121 and 1921), with other Locals to follow thereafter.

Legislative:

1)       Congress came back from a two-week recess this week and IFPTE continues to urge Democrats and Republicans in the House of Representatives to cosponsor The Protect America’s Workers Act (HR 2550) introduced three weeks ago by Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and Democratic Rep. Jared Golden to repeal the Trump Executive Order (EO) eliminating collective bargaining rights for 1.5 million federal workers. As of Friday, May 2, 199 members of Congress are sponsoring the bill, but we are working to have at least 218 cosponsors, which is also the number needed to force a discharge petition and full vote of the House of Representatives. See IFPTE’s letter supporting the House bill.

2)       Legislative Director Faraz Khan continues to work with key Senators to procure a similar bill to the Fitzpatrick-Golden bill in the Senate. Call your Congressional Representative and ask them to cosponor the bipartisan Protect America’s Workforce Act.

3)       Tell Congress: Hands Off Federal Employees’ Retirement Benefits and Merit System Protections.  On Wednesday, April 30, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is proposing to cut $51 billion over the next ten years from the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) and make other changes that undermine our nonpartisan civil service. Congress will be considering passing these spending cuts in a budget reconciliation bill that will include between $1.5 to $2 trillion in spending cuts to offset a portion of $4.5 trillion in tax cuts for the wealthy and for corporations (the $2.5 to 3 billion in tax cuts that aren’t offset will result in a significant increase to the federal deficit). Slashing retirement benefits and reducing the take-home pay of federal workers will trigger an exodus of experienced and skilled federal workers and hollow out agencies that provide essential services and functions. Congress needs to hear from everyday Americans that lawmakers should be preserving the government’s ability to recruit and retain the best talent America has to offer to address the challenges our nation faces, support our national security and economic prosperity, provide the American people with high-quality services, and keep our communities safe. Even though the House Oversight Committee passed these cuts this week, it is not too late to weigh in. This fight is far from over. Email Your Representative and Senators and urge them to oppose any cuts to federal employees’ retirement benefits, any reductions to take-home pay, and any effort to force newly hired federal employees to choose between pay and civil service protections.

4)       Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) introduced two IFPTE-endorsed bills that would protect federal workers and give fired federal workers an opportunity to return to the civil service. The “Restoring Employment and Hiring Incentives for Removed Employees Act” or REHIRE Act would rebuild the federal workforce by providing a hiring preference for federal workers who were fired or otherwise involuntarily removed during the Trump Administration and the ‘‘Probationary Reduction for Employee Protections Act’’ or PREP Act would clarify that federal employees who are new to the competitive service have a 1-year probationary period, and employees who are moving to a new competitive service position from another position will have a 6-month  probationary period. Read more here.  

5)       The Congressional Labor Caucus, led by pro-labor caucus Co-Chairs Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), and Steve Horsford (D-NV), have been leading voices inside Congress on the attacks on federal workers and their unions. On April 30, the Labor Caucus released its report on the Trump Administration’s attack on workers’ rights and labor union across all sectors. Read the 10-page report here [PDF].

Legal:

1)       EO 14251 – On April 28, the D.C. District Court issued an opinion to accompany its April 25 order issuing a preliminary injunction against Executive Order 14251. This EO attempts to strip collective bargaining rights from the vast majority of the federal workforce under the pretext of a statutory national security exemption. The court specifically noted in its opinion that the union challenged the EO in its entirety and that the lack of evidence of any impact on national security correspondingly warrants “enjoining Section 2 of the Executive Order in its entirety.” (emphasis supplied). NTEU v. Trump, Case No. 1:25-cv-935 (D.D.C.), Dkt. 34 at 44-45.” This means that the administration is prevented from implementing the order at all, including in agencies like the Department of Defense and Social Security Administration, where IFPTE represents tens of thousands of workers. We note that the injunction has been appealed to the D.C. Circuit, and that we do expect the merits of the case to eventually reach the Supreme Court.   See the NTEU lawsuit here.

2)       As part of the overall litigation strategy, IFPTE is expected to join a similar coalition lawsuit when the time is right based on the litigation making its way through various courts to block the Executive Order. In preparation, IFPTE asks Locals impacted by the Executive Order to provide evidence of damage done to the Local and members due to the union busting EO. Please contact IFPTE General Counsel, Teresa Ellis at tellis@ifpte.org with any pertinent information regarding specific impacts from the imposition of the EO.

3)       IFPTE RIF guidance to Locals – We continue to include the March 11 memo from IFPTE GC, Teresa Ellis, and Greg McGillivary of the McGillivary Steele Elkin law firm regarding Reductions-In-Force (RIFs) and Mass Terminations of Federal Employees, given that OPM, OMB and DOGE mandated that federal agencies produce RIF lists by April 14.  See that RIF guidance memo here.

• See the February 26 OPM memo instructing agencies to largely ignore RIF language in Union negotiated CBA’s and calling on agencies to identify positions to RIF by April 14. IFPTE recommends that Locals file grievances if management refuses to abide negotiated RIF language in their respective CBAs.

4)       Legal support for federal workers – Rise Up, Fight Back – Hundreds of thousands of federal workers have had their basic rights violated on the job—including tens of thousands who have been fired illegally. Federal workers have an urgent need for legal support. Federal workers now have a network of lawyers helping to get them the justice they deserve.   See the GovExec article here.  

5)       Status of all lawsuits against the current administration can be found at Just Security: “Litigation Tracker: Legal Challenges to Trump Administration Actions.”

Grassroots

1)       “Civil Service Strong” coalition – IFPTE is proud to announce our partnership with the Civil Service Strong project of Democracy Forward, along with other unions, to support our members who are civil servants under attack by the Trump administration. Alongside the 95% of people who believe civil servants should be hired and promoted based on their merit rather than their political beliefs, Civil Service Strong is committed to supporting a career, non-partisan civil service and the people who power it. Learn more here.

2)       MAKE A CALL – Restore Federal Employee Rights Now – IFPTE joins the AFL-CIO campaign asking every single American who cares about the fundamental freedom of all workers to join a union to call their member of Congress right now. Fill out the form on the right to receive a call or dial 844-896-5059. Learn more here.

3)       IFPTE Members are telling their Congressional lawmakers: “Hands Off Federal Employees’ Retirement Benefits and Merit System Protection” While IFPTE and other federal unions are working in coalition to oppose the inclusion of any “reforms” that increase the cost of federal employee benefits or cut benefits, lawmakers need to hear from their constituents. Email your Representative and Senators.  The proposals under consideration go after civil service protections by making any newly hired federal workers choose between “at will” employment and paying a lower FERS contribution rate or retaining merit system rights and paying a higher FERS contribution rate. Merit system rights are not merely protections for federal workers, they protect Americans by providing accountable and professional management of government that works for the American public, not partisan causes and not corrupt private interests. Tell Congress to oppose any cuts or “reforms” to earned federal employment benefits, including changes to the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) and Federal Employees Health Program (FEHB), as a cost offset for budget reconciliation legislation. Learn more here…

Public Relations and Communications

1)         IFPTE’s Mobilization Clearinghouse Visit IFPTE’s central location to find information on labor events, rallies, and Congressional email and call-in campaigns as we collectively fight to defend federal government workers and union rights and protect our democracy. If you have an upcoming event or action that you’d like to add to this list, please send information to info@ifpte.org.

2)       IFPTE continues to keep members informed about news within the federal and related topics with its regular clips emails. If you’d like to sign up to receive our clips, please fill out this form. Recent headlines of note:

HEADLINE: Trump 100 days: tariffs, egg prices, Ice arrests and approval rating – in charts
The Guardian

BLUF: Bad stuff going up, good stuff going down.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2025/apr/30/trumps-first-100-days-charts

HEADLINE: Even if you don’t depend on Medicaid, you’ll likely be hurt if Republicans cut it
MSNBC

If congressional Republicans and Trump include Medicaid cuts in the federal budget, then they’d start a dramatic nationwide cascade of harm in red and blue states — and in rural, suburban and urban areas. https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/medicaid-cuts-republicans-trump-rcna203010

IFPTE to Launch New Dues System
The International is working to implement a dues system that will operate independently from the federal government. This process will provide current and prospective members the ability to join our union at any time, while ensuring their privacy from the administration. Read more…

IFPTE Joins “Civil Service Strong” Coalition
IFPTE is proud to announce our partnership with the Civil Service Strong project of Democracy Forward, along with other unions and allies, to support our members who are civil servants under attack by the Trump administration. Alongside the 95% of people who believe civil servants should be hired and promoted based on their merit rather than their political beliefs, Civil Service Strong is committed to supporting a career, non-partisan civil service and the people who power it. Read more…

IFPTE’s Mobilization Clearinghouse
Visit IFPTE’s clearinghouse to find information on labor events, rallies, and Congressional email and call-in campaigns to collectively fight and defend federal government workers and union rights and protect our democracy. If you have an upcoming event or action that you’d like to add to this list, please send information to info@ifpte.org.

We encourage all to contact your lawmakers in Congress and tell them to:

• 1 ) Oppose Cuts for Federal Employee Retirement Benefits in the Budget Reconciliation Bill;
• 2) Oppose Cuts to Medicaid in the Budget Reconciliation Bill

Local 196 Members Join First Responders in Fighting New Jersey Wildfires
IFPTE Local 196 members employed by the Garden State Parkway joined New Jersey’s first responders this week in fighting back the massive wildfires that have burned 13,250 acres of land in Lacey and Ocean townships, and along the Garden State Parkway. Read more…

Society Attends Canadian Nuclear Conference 2025
Members and elected leaders from the Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) participated in the Canadian Nuclear Association conference held from April 15 to 17. During the event, Society President Rebecca Caron spoke about the essential steps needed to build a skilled energy workforce for the future. Read more…

IFPTE Honors and Thanks EA/IFPTE Local 1937 President, Carolyn Wilson, Upon Her Retirement
Engineering Association (EA/IFPTE Local 1937) President, Carolyn Wilson, announced her retirement this week after four decades of service to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). She also announced her retirement as President of the EA/IFPTE Local 1937, where she also served as Vice President and EA board member for over twenty years. Read more…

Canadian Federal Election: IFPTE Supports CLC Blueprint for Building a Better Future for Working People
The IFPTE supports the Canadian Labour Congress’s (CLC) call to challenge all political parties to put working families first in the federal election being held on April 28. The Workers Together platform, Building a Better Future for Working People, was launched to provide a clear blueprint for the next government at a time when Canadians face mounting pressures from all sides. Read more…

IFPTE Keeps Members and Allies Informed on the Trump Administration on the Federal Sector
Thousands of people have signed up to receive our Federal News Updates. Please fill out the online form to be added to the list, or if you’ve already signed up, please share this link with a friend or coworker.

Dominick D. Critelli, Jr. Scholarship Award is Open for Applications
The Dominick D. Critelli, Jr. Scholarship Award application/information is available until May 15. IFPTE will award four college scholarships of $2,500 each to children or grandchildren of IFPTE members. Read more…

Labor News

AFL-CIO Department of People Who Work for a Living
The AFL-CIO’s newest Department, The Department of People Who Work for a Living, starkly contrasts with the Trump Administration’s so-called DOGE. While DOGE is attempting to fire tens of thousands of federal workers, the Department of People Who Work for a Living is fighting to support dedicated, hard-working federal workers serving the public daily. IFPTE encourages members to learn more about the new Department here…

Over 1,000 Southern California Edison Workers File for Union Election with ESC Local 20
On Thursday, April 17, over 1,000 planners, designers, and field technicians at Southern California Edison filed for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board. These workers play a crucial role at SCE, ensuring the delivery of essential utilities to millions across Central, Coastal, and Southern California. Read more…

IFPTE Local 21’s Fight to Protect Medicaid from Cuts Gains Traction with Bipartisan Congressional Commitment
Earlier this week, 12 Republicans in the House of Representatives signed on to a letter to House Republican leadership and the Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee warning against cuts to Medicaid in an upcoming Budget Reconciliation bill.  Several of the signatures on the letter are the result of the commitment and efforts of IFPTE Local 21 and the Local’s work with other unions in their coalition. Read more…

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IFPTE Calls on Lawmakers to Support Bipartisan Bill to Repeal Trump Union Busting Order
IFPTE continues to aggressively urge lawmakers to cosponsor the Protect America’s Workers Act (HR 2550), bipartisan legislation sponsored by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Jared Golden to repeal President Trump’s latest Union-Busting executive order. Read more…

• RELATED:
  IFPTE Applauds Senators Collins, Murkowski, Schatz, and Warner for their Bipartisan Letter Requesting President Reconsider EO Removing Federal Workers Bargaining Rights

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Society Research Officer Deputes at Toronto City Hall
The Society of United Professionals/IFPTE Local 160’s Research Officer Nathan Jackson deputed before City of Toronto’s Executive Committee on March 19 to express the Society’s full support for the mayor’s tariff response action plan. Read more…

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Society Speaks on Broadbent Institute’s Progress Summit Panel
The Society of United Professionals/IFPTE Local 160’s President, Rebecca Caron, participated in a panel organized by the Canadian Labour Congress – Congrès du travail du Canada at the Broadbent Institute | Institut Broadbent’s Progress Summit. Rebecca spoke about the importance of securing long-term plans from the government for the development of energy infrastructure. Read more…

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IFPTE Participates in Howard University’s “Summer for Democracy” Teach-In
IFPTE President Matt Biggs, Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson, and Legislative Director Faraz Khan participated in Howard University’s “Summer for Democracy” teach-in. The teach-in was organized by Howard University students with the Howard University Capel as the lead sponsor. Read more…

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SCMMA Launches Online Store
SCMMA/IFPTE Local 222 has launched an online store featuring branded SCMMA merchandise for purchase. Show your pride and support for the Local union by purchasing these exclusive items. From stylish apparel to practical accessories, there’s something for everyone. Check it out…

IFPTE Keeps Members and Allies Informed on the Trump Administration on the Federal Sector
Thousands of people have signed up to receive our Federal News Updates. Please fill out the online form to be added to the list, or if you’ve already signed up, please share this link with a friend or coworker.

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IFPTE’s Mobilization Clearinghouse
Visit IFPTE’s central location to find information on labor events, rallies, and Congressional email and call-in campaigns as we collectively fight to defend federal government workers and union rights, and protect our democracy. If you have an upcoming event or action that you’d like to add to this list, please send information to info@ifpte.org.

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Dominick D. Critelli, Jr. Scholarship Award is Open for Applications
The Dominick D. Critelli, Jr. Scholarship Award application/information is available until May 15. IFPTE will award four college scholarships of $2,500 each to children or grandchildren of IFPTE members. Read more…

Labour News

AFL-CIO Department of People Who Work for a Living
The AFL-CIO’s newest Department, The Department of People Who Work for a Living, starkly contrasts the Trump Administration’s so-called DOGE. While DOGE is attempting to fire tens of thousands of federal workers, the Department of People Who Work for a Living is fighting to support dedicated and hard-working federal workers serving the public daily. IFPTE encourages members to learn more about the new Department here…

IFPTE Federal Sector Round Up on Trump/Musk and
DOGE Attacks on Federal Workers

IFPTE continued our work this week on Capitol Hill, on the ground at the grassroots level, and in the legal arena to fight against the attacks on federal workers, federal agencies and on federal unions. IFPTE legislative director, Faraz Khan, was joined by IFPTE international representative, David LaFemina on Capitol Hill this week to meet with key staff to support recently introduced bipartisan legislation to reverse the latest Trump Executive Order (EO) to do away with collective bargaining rights and union dues payroll deduction. Below are details of this week’s activities.

Legislative:

1)    IFPTE is urging Democrats and Republicans in the House of Representatives to cosponsor The Protect America’s Workers Act (HR 2550) introduced last week by Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and Democratic Rep. Jared Golden to repeal the Trump Executive Order eliminating collective bargaining rights for nearly 1 million federal workers. IFPTE obviously supports the bill and is hopeful to acquire enough cosponsors to trigger a discharge petition which would allow the bill to bypass committee action and be sent directly to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote.

2)       Legislative Director Faraz Khan continues to work with key Senators to procure a similar bill to the Fitzpatrick/Golden bill in the Senate.

3)       Relatedly, Congressman Fitzpatrick also led a Republican only letter to President Trump asking him to rescind the Executive Order. See the GovExec article here.

4)       IFPTE sent a letter to all Members of the House of Representatives urging them to vote No on a Budget Resolution that aims for $2 trillion in budget cuts, extends tax cuts that create $5.8 trillion in deficits, and instructs the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to identify budget cuts of $50 billion over 10 years to be included in a Budget Reconciliation bill. These cuts are likely to come from increasing the cost that federal employees pay for their retirement and health benefits or cutting benefits. The Budget Resolution passed in the House by a vote of 218 to 216 and the House will begin crafting a Budget Reconciliation bill. Unlike all other legislation that needs 60 votes in the Senate to proceed, a Budget Reconciliation bill can move through and be passed by the Senate with a simple majority. IFPTE has been working in coalition with other federal unions to talk to Republican offices about why these changes to federal retirement and health benefits are unfair to federal workers, counterproductive, and ultimately harmful to their constituents. IFPTE members and supporters can take action and contact their Members of Congress here. 

Legal:

1)       AFGE filed a lawsuit with five other Unions on Monday in Federal Court in San Francisco asking the Courts to block the Trump Executive Order. See the Reuters article here.

2)       IFPTE is expected to join a similar lawsuit in the coming week or so to block the Executive Order. In doing so, IFPTE put out a call asking Locals impacted by the Executive Order to provide evidence of repudiation of contracts or contract language, refusal to process grievances, or any other relevant injury to the Local and its members due to the Union-Busting Executive Order. Please contact IFPTE General Counsel, Teresa Ellis at tellis@ifpte.org with any pertinent information.

3)       IFPTE RIF guidance to Locals – A March 11^th memo from IFPTE GC Teresa Ellis and Greg McGillivary from the McGillivary law firm, regarding Reductions-In-Force (RIFs) and Mass Terminations of Federal Employees was sent in early-March to all IFPTE Federal Locals. Given that OPM, OMB and DOGE are mandating that federal agencies produce RIF lists by April 14^th, we are including that guidance here in this week’s update for IFPTE Locals. See that RIF guidance memo and

·       Contact IFPTE General Counsel, Teresa Ellis at tellis@ifpte.org to get a copy of the RIF guidance memo.

·       See the February 26^th OPM-issued memo instructing agencies to largely ignore RIF language in Union negotiated CBA’s and calling on agencies to identify positions to RIF by April 14. IFPTE is recommending that Locals file grievances if management refuses to abide negotiated RIF language in their respective CBAs.

4)       IFPTE is a named plaintiff in the following lawsuits: While there are many Union and other lawsuits challenging the illegal actions of the Trump/Musk administration, below are the lawsuits (in addition to the above Privacy Act lawsuit) that IFPTE and IFPTE Locals are a named plaintiff in:  

·       NTEU-led lawsuit to protect probationary workers and other fed workers from wholesale firings and to save public services.   The government has asked for a 30-day extension for its response, which is helpful for us as well.

·       AALJ/IFPTE Judicial Council 1 and AFGE Privacy Act lawsuit to block DOGE from accessing personal and employment records through OPM.  

·       Class action/collected individual appeals for fired probationary workers – See IFPTE’s guidance to Locals regarding avenues for terminated probationary workers.

Status of all other lawsuits as tracked by Just Security: IFPTE members can view the status of all lawsuits filed about federal workers, Privacy Act, and other matters at the Just Security “Litigation Tracker: Legal Challenges to Trump Administration Actions.”

Public Relations and Communications:

IFPTE continues to keep members informed about news within the federal and related topics with its regular clips emails. If you’d like to sign up to receive our clips, please fill out this form. Recent headlines of note:

NPR: Shortage of immigration judges could slow down Trump deportation goals
IFPTE President Matt Biggs describes yet another self-defeating Trump policy as “a head scratcher,” responding to the administration’s decision to target the very workers responsible for making the immigration system work.

https://www.npr.org/2025/04/08/nx-s1-5335523/shortage-of-immigration-judges-could-slow-down-trump-deportation-goals.

The Daily Beast: DOGE Goons Cause Major Crash to Social Security Site
“The website crash isn’t the first symptom of problems after DOGE moved in. People have also reported long wait times on calls, the loss of direct deposit payments, and online accounts malfunctioning.”

https://www.thedailybeast.com/elon-musks-doge-goons-cause-major-crash-to-social-security-site/

Nonprofit Quarterly: The Case for Solidarity Between Nonprofit and Federal Workers
“Nonprofit workers who are already members of unions should add their voices to federal workers fighting to protect the services they provide. In our organizations, we must flex our organizing muscles and engage management in conversations around solidarity with federal workers.”

https://nonprofitquarterly.org/the-case-for-solidarity-between-nonprofit-and-federal-workers/

IFPTE Federal Sector Update on Trump/Musk and DOGE Attacks on Federal Workers – Week Ending March 21
Read our Latest Update [click.actionnetwork.org] on our fight against the illegal and unprecedented attacks by President Trump, the so-called DOGE, including Elon Musk and his associates, and larger Trump Administration, against federal workers and the agencies they work for.

SOLIDARITY ALERT: IFPTE Stands with ESC in Unfair Labor Strike
IFPTE stands with our Brothers and Sisters at the Engineers and Scientists of California (ESC/IFPTE Local 20) who will hold an Unfair Labor Practice strike next week against Santa Clara County. The affected members, medical professionals who work at hospitals and labs in the county, are holding a 3-day ULP strike because of bad-faith negotiations. ESC issued a media advisory outlining the issue earlier this week. An updated media advisory will be issued later today. Read the media advisory…

AFL-CIO Department of People Who Work for a Living
The AFL-CIO’s newest Department, The Department of People Who Work for a Living, stands in stark contrast to the Trump Administration’s so-called DOGE. While DOGE is attempting to fire tens of thousands of federal workers, the Department of People Who Work for a Living is fighting to support dedicated and hard working federal workers who are serving the public each day. IFPTE encourages members to learn more about the new Department here…

Manitoba Federation of Labour Responds to 2025 Provincial Budget
The Manitoba Federation of Labour applauds the Kinew government for focusing this year’s provincial budget on helping the economy by investing in creating good, family supporting jobs and building health care, education, highway, municipal, broadband, parks and other infrastructure projects. Read more here…

Dominick D. Critelli, Jr. Scholarship Award is Open for Applications
The Dominick D. Critelli, Jr. Scholarship Award application/information is available until May 15. IFPTE will award four college scholarships of $2,500 each to children or grandchildren of IFPTE members. Read more…

IFPTE Continues Efforts to Defend the Public Services,
Protect Federal Employees’ Jobs, and Uphold Our Democracy

Today the Senate provided final approval for a temporary funding bill that provides zero protections for federal workers and other targets of the Musk/DOGE wrecking ball.  IFPTE President Matt Biggs said, “Senators who voted to let this bill move forward shirked their responsibility to rein in an out-of-control administration, especially those Democrats who failed to stand with IFPTE members and against the ongoing assault on our civil service, our Constitution, and working families in every state.” Read more and follow IFPTE’s outreach on the CR below.

• 3/14/2025 – IFPTE Expresses Disappointment in Passage of Continuing Resolution
• 3/12/2025 – IFPTE Letter to Congress Explains Why Lawmakers Need to Reject the CR Being Considered in Congress This Week
• 3/11/2025 – IFPTE Call on Congress to Reject the Current Continuing Resolution and Get to Work
• 3/10/2025 – IFPTE Calls on Speaker Johnson to Instruct House Rules Committee to Allow Votes on Amendments

IFPTE Federal Sector Update on Trump/Musk and DOGE Attacks on Federal Workers – Week Ending March 14
Read the latest update on our fight against the illegal and unprecedented attacks by President Trump, the so-called DOGE, including Elon Musk and his associates, and larger Trump Administration, against federal workers and the agencies they work for.

Local 12 is Latest Local to See Big Organizing Gains – Tops 600 Dues Paying Members
Despite ongoing efforts to fire and RIF federal workers across federal agencies, IFPTE federal sector Locals across the nation have seen significant increases in membership, the latest being Local 12 representing workers at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. Read more…

SPEEA-Supported Legislation Helps Striking Workers with UI Benefits
Senate Bill 5041, which would grant unemployment insurance benefits to striking workers, was approved by the Washington state Senate and sent to the state’s House of Representatives for consideration. “This was a major milestone for us, as supporters of the bill,” said SPEEA Legislative Director Brandon Anderson. “SPEEA members played a big role in getting it through.” Read more…

Local 12 President, Tiera Beauchamp, Named to Path to Power Program
The Washington State AFL-CIO released the names last week of the Union members who have been accepted to their highly competitive Path to Power program and Local 12 President, Tiera Beauchamp, was among those who were accepted. Tiera, who has served as Local 12 President for nearly 5 years, commented on her participation in the program, saying that, “It is a great honor to be representing the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard as their President at the AFL-CIO Level.” Read more…

SPEEA Elects Two New Northwest Regional VPs, Reelects Incumbent
Members of SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001 have elected two new Northwest regional vice presidents to their union’s executive board while re-electing an incumbent. Jeffrey L. Forbes, Tami Reichersamer and Lynette Shiroma were the top three vote-getters in the election, out of a field of eight candidates. They will begin their two-year terms on March 26, along with Midwest Regional Vice President Chris Streckfus, an incumbent who was unopposed for re-election. Read more…

SUP/IFPTE Local 160 Celebrates International Women’s Day

Society President Rebecca Caron Speaks at Port Hope IWD Event
On March 7th, the Port Hope Chamber of Commerce hosted a special event in celebration of International Women’s Day, bringing together inspiring leaders dedicated to advancing gender equality. Among the distinguished speakers was Society of United Professionals/IFPTE Local 160 President Rebecca Caron, who delivered a compelling address on the critical role of unions in the fight for pay equity. Read more…

And the following day…

Society of United Professionals Joins Toronto’s International Women’s Day Rally
The Society of United Professionals/IFPTE Local 160 proudly took to the streets in Toronto on Saturday, March 8, to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) and stand in solidarity with those fighting for gender equality and social justice. As an event sponsor, the Society reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for women’s rights and standing in solidarity with marginalized communities fighting for a better future. Read more…

Dominick D. Critelli, Jr. Scholarship Award – DEADLINE: March 15!
The deadline to submit applications for the Dominick D. Critelli, Jr. Scholarship is Saturday, March 15. All required application documents must be postmarked by Saturday, March 15 OR electronically submitted by 11:59 pm. Read more…

Labour News

Mark Carney Sworn in as Canadian Prime Minister Amid US Trade War – Read more…

Canada’s Unions to Carney: Protect Workers from Job Losses and Uncertainty
The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is demanding immediate and decisive action from the federal government to protect workers and defend jobs as an escalating trade war—fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump—threatens Canada’s economy. Read more…

MFL Launches Pilot Project to Help Workers Unionize
The Manitoba Federation of Labour (MFL) has launched a new pilot project to help workers connect with unions that may represent them. Read more…

AFL-CIO Department of People Who Work for a Living
The AFL-CIO’s newest Department, The Department of People Who Work for a Living is fighting to support dedicated and hard working federal workers who are serving the public each day. IFPTE encourages members to learn more about the new Department here.