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.

International Women’s Day 2025: Standing Strong in Solidarity
During Women’s History Month, on this International Women’s Day, we recognize the resilience, strength, and achievements of women across the globe. March 8th is a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political contributions of women, while also recommitting ourselves to the fight for gender justice, equity, and dignity for all. Read more…

IFPTE Federal Sector Update on Trump/Musk and DOGE Attacks on Federal Workers – Week Ending March 7Read IFPTE’s 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.

IFPTE Says Trump Tariffs on Canada Will Do “great damage” to Canadian and American Working Families – Calls Trump’s 51st State declaration “highly insulting”
IFPTE issue a strong and clear response to President Trump’s continued attacks on Canada, calling the President’s planning imposition of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods and services this week a, “reckless policy which will cause economic harm to workers and lead to steep inflation on everyday goods that citizens on both sides of the border depend on so heavily”. Read IFPTE’s full statement…

IFPTE Applauds the Introduction of the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act
House Education and Labor Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act) this week in the House of Representatives, while Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced the Senate version. The legislation, which remains a high legislative priority for IFPTE and the entire labor movement, seeks to reform current private sector labor law to bring fairness for workers who are seeking to organize labor unions. IFPTE applauded the legislation’s, “strong legal protections that restore and reinforce working people’s right to freely form a union and bargain with their employers for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions.” Read IFPTE’s full statement…

Bell’s Job Cuts Continue to Erode Manitoba’s Telecommunications Workforce
Bell Canada’s recent announcement of 1,200 job reductions across Canada is another devastating blow to workers, including to 100 employees in Manitoba who are set to see their jobs slashed – 70 of whom are represented by TEAM – IFPTE Local 161, the union representing technical and professional employees in Manitoba’s telecommunications sector. Read more…

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

IFPTE in the News 2/28/2025 – Bell Layoffs Could Lead to Dozens of Manitoba Job Cuts (Winnipeg Free Press)

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