Weekly Union Recap March 6, 2026

March 9, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

Courage and Solidarity: Celebrating the Power of Women

On International Women’s Day—celebrated around the world—and during Women’s History Month in the United States, the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) honours the women whose leadership and solidarity continue to strengthen our union across Canada and the United States.

As a part of Women’s History Month, two of IFPTE’s leaders in their respective Locals will be profiled by the AFL-CIO: Tracy Miller on March 23 (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) and Shaunna Winton on March 19 (SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001). Let’s all honor our Sisters as well as other Union Sisters by viewing a profile each day of the month!

Read WSN’s Letter of Solidarity…

SUP/IFPTE Local 160 President Speaks on EHRC Panel for IWD

Marking International Women’s Day, the Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) President Rebecca Caron joined a distinguished virtual panel organized by Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) earlier this week.

History Made: IFPTE Honors Roxanne Brown on Being Sworn in as United Steelworkers of America (USW) President

IFPTE was proud to have the opportunity to attend the swearing-in ceremony for the new officers of the United Steelworkers of America (USW), including newly minted President, Roxanne Brown. President Brown is the 10th president of the historic Union, and the first woman and person of color elected to the lead the Union.

CLC Celebrates IWD by Hosting Event: Union Women Rise Up for Gender Justice

In honour of International Women’s Day (IWD), the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is hosting a powerful conversation on how union women are defending pay equity, health and safety, collective bargaining, and human rights at this year’s UN Commission on the Status of Women.

IFPTE Endorses SPEEA Member David Garrett for State Representative

IFPTE is proud to endorse SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001 member, David Garrett, for Washington State Representative as he seeks to represent Washington state’s 39th legislative district

SPEEA Council Reps Elect Northwest Prof and Tech Bargaining Teams

SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001’s Bargaining Unit Councils of the Northwest Prof and Tech bargaining units recently elected the teams that will represent SPEEA members in negotiations with Boeing later this year.

IFPTE Urges the “Prioritization of Worker Safety” for Federal Civilian Employees Working in the Middle East

As the war in Iran continues, along with attacks on U.S. military installations across the Middle East where both military and civilian personnel work and live, IFPTE released the following statement regarding civilian federal workers who are risking their lives in support of the nation.

IFPTE Attends Biannual AFL-CIO Executive Council Meeting

President Matt Biggs and Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson participated in the biannual AFL-CIO Executive Council meeting this week at the AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, DC.

IFPTE Honors APWU President Mark Dimondstein on His Retirement

Longtime friend to IFPTE, Mark Dimondstein, recently retired from the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) after serving 12 years as President and 42 years of membership

SAVE THE DATE!!!

IFPTE 62nd Convention

Toronto, ON, Canada

July 19-22, 2027

Weekly Union Recap February 27, 2026

March 2, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

IFPTE Symposium Examines Global Pressures and Local Impacts

IFPTE members from TEAM/IFPTE Local 161, and WAPSO/IFPTE Local 162, along with guests from the Regina Civic Middle Management Association (RCMMA), gathered this week in Winnipeg for a full day of discussion and action at the 2026 IFPTE Professional Workers Symposium. The symposium brought together union leaders, policy experts, academics, and elected officials to examine how global economic instability, trade tensions, technological change, and shifting public policy are shaping the day-to-day realities of professional and technical workers. At its core was a clear question: how are these pressures affecting our lives and workplaces — and how do we respond collectively?

Legislative Director Khan Participates in ARI Meetings on AI Safeguards

IFPTE legislative director, Faraz Khan, participated this week in meetings in Washington, DC hosted by Americans for Responsible Innovation (ARI) [click.actionnetwork.org] and with other stakeholder groups to discuss oversight recommendations involving Artificial Intelligence (AI) that protects jobs, unions, and communities

Bellamy-Lewis Recognized by Rutgers University During Black History Month

Rutgers University Civil Rights Committee recognized IFPTE international representative, Karen Bellamy-Lewis this week as part of their Black History Month Spotlight series. “African Americans have played a significant role in the history of the labor movement, advocating for civil rights and workers’ rights, even in the face of exclusion,” said Bellamy-Lewis

Calling All Candidates – Join IFPTE’s Black and Racialized Professionals Committee

The Committee, which was unanimously approved at the 2024 IFPTE Convention through passage of Resolution 15, titled “Black and Racialized Professionals Committee,” is tasked with advancing and advocating for “issues faced in the union, the workplace, and the communities where we live.”

IFPTE Honors Black History Month

IWD Pancake Breakfast & Silent Auction in Winnipeg

Join the Winnipeg Labour Council, Manitoba Federation of Labour, and the Canadian Labour Congress to celebrate International Women’s Day with a pancake breakfast and silent auction on March 9 in the Union Centre Auditorium. This year, the fundraising proceeds will go to support the North Point Douglas Resource Centre. Register here.

SAVE THE DATE!!!
IFPTE 62nd Convention
Toronto, ON, Canada
July 19-22, 2027

Weekly Union Recap February 20, 2026

February 20, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

IFPTE Endorses Claire Valdez for the 7th Congressional District of New York

IFPTE issued its latest Congressional endorsement for the upcoming midterms by backing New York Assemblymember, Claire Valdez, for the House of Representatives. In issuing the endorsement, IFPTE called Valdez, who is a Union organizer, “a champion for working families and their Unions”.

Calling All Candidates – Join IFPTE’s Black and Racialized Professionals Committee

IFPTE Honors Black History Month

Labour College of Canada Applications

Applications for the Canadian Labour Congress’ Labour College of Canada leadership certificate program are open until March 16. The Labour College Certificate Program offers in-depth, university level courses and a unique learning opportunity for union leaders and active members from across unions and regions to learn and grow together. Learn more here.

Department for Professional Employees Reports Union Membership and Density Among Professionals Grew Again in 2025

The AFL-CIO’s Department for Professional Employee (DPE), or which IFPTE is an affiliate, reported this week that nearly 170,000 professionals joined unions in 2025, pushing total professional union membership to more than 6.6 million, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ annual union membership report. Read more here.

OFL Union Threads: A Craft-In for Women’s Power

On March 6, the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) is celebrating International Women’s Day with women from across Ontario at a hybrid craft‑in rooted in the long tradition of women gathering to create, strategize, and build power together. Register here.

SAVE THE DATE!!!
IFPTE 62nd Convention
Toronto, ON, Canada
July 19-22, 2027

Weekly Union Recap February 6, 2026

February 9, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

IFPTE, AFL-CIO and CLC Issue Statements Honoring Black History Month

IFPTE released a statement on February 1st honoring Black History Month, stating that, “Sadly, the hard-fought rights that were achieved by the Civil Rights and Labor Movements decades ago are being eroded and outright eliminated by not only the most powerful politicians in our society, but also our courts…This year’s Black History Month is as important as it has ever been, and is a time for those of us in the Labor Movement to reinforce and recommit to fighting to reverse these attacks.”

IFPTE Commits to Halting Schedule P/C Which Seeks to Undermine Merit-Based Nonpartisan Civil Service and Government for the People

In response to the Office of Personnel Management issuing the Schedule P/C final rule, IFPTE President Matt Biggs commented that Schedule P/C “jeopardizes the stability and effectiveness of the federal agencies the public depends on every day and undermines the data and evidence-based missions that federal employees perform. It would also undermine Congress’s ability to perform meaningful oversight by silencing the expertise of federal employees. IFPTE is committed to opposing its implementation in federal court and advocating for the enactment of the Saving the Civil Service Act.” If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

IFPTE Applauds the Launch of the Bipartisan Federal Workforce Caucus and Calls on Members of Congress from Both Sides of the Aisle to Stand Up for America’s Civil Service Workforce

This week, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD), and Congressman James Walkinshaw (D-VA) launched the Federal Workforce Caucus, a Congressional caucus committed to protecting and strengthening America’s civil service workforce. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

Partial Government Shutdown Short-livered – IFPTE Requests the House Pass Five FY26 Appropriations Bills and Ensure Administration Respects the Law and Constitution

The House came back to Washington on Monday and voted on Tuesday to end the four-day partial government shutdown. In a letter to House lawmakers before Tuesday’s vote, IFPTE wrote that, “We urge you not to hold five appropriations bills from enactment while Congress and the American public seek to ensure accountability, oversight, and justice for overbroad DHS immigration enforcement operations that have resulted in too many tragic outcomes. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

Layoffs Averted for Members of TEAM/IFPTE Local 161

Members of TEAM/IFPTE Local 161 can breathe a sigh of relief, with Bell Canada announcing this week that its plans to eliminate 46 more jobs from the bargaining unit have been cancelled. Bell did not provide a reason to the union for cancelling the downsizing, nor did it confirm whether more job cuts are planned for later this year, although some TEAM members fear that may be the case. But for now, at least, layoffs have been averted. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

Union Says Boeing Violated Contract; Seeks ‘No Layoff’ Guarantee for 787 Engineers

“SPEEA and Boeing had a meeting of our Joint Workforce Committee on Thursday, January 29th,” said SPEEA executive director Ray Goforth. “The committee’s purpose is for Boeing to provide SPEEA with guidance on how company decisions impact our membership, including any possible work movement. At that meeting, Boeing informed SPEEA that there were no company decisions in the foreseeable future that would impact work statement or employment levels for SPEEA members. “Thus, it was with great surprise and disappointment that Boeing unilaterally announced to our members the very next morning that the remaining 787 engineering work would be moved to South Carolina,” Goforth said. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

Society Applauds Completion of Darlington Nuclear Reactor Refurbishment

This week, the Society of United Professionals/IFPTE Local 160 President, Rebecca Caron, was present for the Ontario government’s announcement of the successful completion of the refurbishment of the Darlington Unit 4 nuclear reactor, which will return to service four months ahead of schedule and $150 million under budget. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

Calling All Candidates – Join IFPTE’s Black and Racialized Professionals Committee

Canada’s Unions Say Workers Must Be At the Centre of National Trade Strategy

Canadian labour leaders from the private and public sector met in Ottawa this week to demand an end to trade policies that put corporate interests ahead of workers, and to call for a worker-centered trade and economic strategy and a seat at the decision-making table. Read more from the CLC here, and from Yahoo News here.

Registration for IFPTE’s 2026 Legislative Conference is still open; late fees apply. The deadline for booking sleeping rooms has closed; however, rooms may still be available but not at IFPTE’s rate. Contact crhett@ifpte.org if you need assistance. Conference information can be found here.

SAVE THE DATE!!!
IFPTE 62nd Convention
Toronto, ON, Canada
July 19-22, 2027

Weekly Union Recap January 30, 2026

February 2, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

Short Partial Government Shutdown Expected for DOD, SSA, MSPB – No Shutdown for USACE, NASA, EPA, NOAA, DOE, Leg. Branch

Starting at 12:01 am EST on Saturday, January 31, the U.S. federal government will be in a partial government shutdown. The partial shutdown will affect the following agencies where IFPTE members work: Department of the Navy, Department of the Army (but not USACE), Defense Logistics Agency, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, SSA, and the MSPB. The following agencies where IFPTE members work will not be affected: USACE, NASA, NOAA, DOJ, EPA, DOE, and DOI. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

IFPTE Tells Senate Leadership to Pass Funding Bills That Have Bipartisan Support, Hold Homeland Security Funding Until Needed Oversight is Included

With the Senate Republican Leadership looking to advance a package of six appropriations bills that will not get bipartisan support due to the inclusion of Homeland Security funding, IFPTE sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) requesting they pass the five funding bills with bipartisan support and hold back the Homeland Security funding bill, which lacks the bipartisan support needed to pass the Senate. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

Funding ICE While Allowing DOD, Other Funding to Lapse? IFPTE Urges Senate to Avoid Partial Government Shutdown by Not Holding “Five Appropriations Bills Hostage”

As the clock ticks towards a partial government shutdown on January 30, IFPTE urged Senate leaders to follow the House’s lead “by separating those five appropriations bills from the FY26 Homeland Security appropriations bill.” If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

Calling All Candidates – Join IFPTE’s Black and Racialized Professionals Committee

IFPTE Endorses New Jersey Congressman Donald Norcross for Re-election

On behalf of its 90,000 members throughout North America, including more than 10,000 IFPTE members throughout New Jersey, IFPTE is proud to endorse Congressman Donald Norcross for a 7th term representing the First Congressional District of New Jersey. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

NPEU/IFPTE Local 70 Officers Condemn ICE, Stand with Minnesota

“By standing in solidarity with the people of Minnesota, we affirm that working people will not be silent in the face of oppression. As we continue into 2026, we encourage all members to take action alongside other people of conscience, take care of yourselves, and take care of each other.” If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

Cross-border Solidarity: OFL Backs Minnesota AFL-CIO in Anti-ICE Mobilization

OFL President Laura Walton met with Minnesota AFL-CIO leadership to coordinate strategy and encouraged workers in Ontario to show visible support for their counterparts by taking symbolic actions and amplifying the call: “Solidarity has no borders — ICE out of Minnesota!” If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

IFPTE is once again a partner for the NO KINGS event on March 28. The mass mobilization is a continued response to Trump’s authoritarian administration, protecting our democracy and elections, and to respond to ICE in Minnesota and nationwide. Join the Eyes on ICE virtual training on February 5 and be part of the movement!

Registration for IFPTE’s 2026 Legislative Conference is still open; late fees will apply after Sunday, January 25. The deadline for booking sleeping rooms has closed; however, rooms may still be available but not at IFPTE’s rate. Contact crhett@ifpte.org if you need assistance. Conference information can be found here.

SAVE THE DATE!!!
IFPTE 62nd Convention
Toronto, ON, Canada
July 19-22, 2027

Weekly Union Recap January 16, 2026

January 20, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

IFPTE’s 2026 Legislative Conference is still open. Registration fees will increase on January 25. The deadline for booking sleeping rooms closed today. Rooms may still be available but not at IFPTE’s rate. Contact crhett@ifpte.org if you need assistance. Conference information can be found here. Space is limited – register today!

Congress Passes Appropriations Package to Sustain Funding for NASA, NOAA Fisheries, Army Corps Civil Works, and EPA

Congress rejected the the destructive Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget cuts sought by the Trump Administration by passing a package of bipartisan appropriations bills, referred to as a “minibus,.” This funding package covers agencies that are funded by the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) appropriations bill, the Energy and Water Development (EWD) appropriations bill, and the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies (IE) appropriations bill.

SPEEA Reaches Tentative Agreement with Boeing in Wichita

SPEEA’s WTPU unit in Wichita has reached a tentative agreement with Boeing on a new collective bargaining agreement. The negotiation team is unanimously recommending that union members approve the offer. Boeing’s offer “gives us better medical benefits, better dental benefits, more vacation time and a decent set of salary pools for raises,” said James Hatfield, who chaired the union’s negotiation team. “We will be joining other unions and Boeing non-union employees in enjoying the Boeing benefits; that’s why I would vote for approving this contract.”

“Standing Together Makes Us Stronger!” – IFPTE Joins Kansas AFL-CIO Leaders and Members of Topeka for Solidarity Day

President Biggs and Secretary-Treasurer Henson, along with SPEEA Area Vice President Matthew Joyce and former longtime SPEEA Area Vice President Donna Lehane, joined hundreds of Union members for a rally this week in Topeka in support of working families and against both statewide and national attacks on working families. The rally took place at the state capitol and preceded hundreds of visits by Union members with state lawmakers

Calling All Candidates – Join IFPTE’s Black and Racialized Professionals Committee

As we plan to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 19th,  as well as recognize Black History Month this February, IFPTE is standing up the Black and Racialized Professionals Committee. The Committee, which was unanimously approved at the 2024 IFPTE Convention through passage of Resolution 15, titled “Black and Racialized Professionals Committee,” is tasked with advancing and advocating for “issues faced in the union, the workplace, and the communities where we live.”

LEAF Employees Vote Unanimously to Join Society of United Professionals

Employees of the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) have unanimously voted to join the Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160). The newly certified bargaining unit includes all employees, including lawyers

Steve Pinto Takes the Helm at IFPTE Local 195 – Sworn in as President

IFPTE Atlantic Area Vice President, Brother Steve Pinto, was officially sworn in as President of IFPTE Local 195 on Thursday. Joining President Pinto was Brother Melvin Dwyer to serve a second term as Local 195 Vice President, along with ten other Local 195 officers. IFPTE Atlantic Area Vice President/Local 196 President, Sean McBride, administered the oath of office, and upwards of fifty IFPTE members, staff, and retirees attended, including Local 195 President-Emeritus, Don Buchanan, and IFPTE International Representative, David LaFemina.

Pass the Protecting America’s Workforce Act (PAWA) Now! IFPTE Joins Rally on Capitol Hill

IFPTE members and staff attended the “Rally for America’s Workforce: PAWA to the People” on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. The rally, which was organized by the Federal Unionist Network (FUN) and sponsored by IFPTE, along with AFGE, NFFE, NTEU and many other Unions representing federal workers, was laser focused on demanding that the Senate immediately pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act (PAWA), either as a free-standing bill as the House had done in December, or as a part of the appropriations process.

SAVE THE DATE!!!
IFPTE 62nd Convention
Toronto, ON, Canada
July 19-22, 2027

LABOUR NEWS

Workers Must Come First: Unions Warn Ottawa Ahead of CUSMA Review

Canada’s unions are sending a clear and urgent message to the federal government ahead of the 2026 review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA): workers must come first.

Weekly Union Recap January 9, 2026

January 12, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

IFPTE is honored to cosponsor the Rally for America’s Workforce: PAWA to the People on January 14th at 12 pm at Upper Senate Park in Washington, DC. The rally is in support of the Protect America’s Workforce Act (PAWA), a bill to undo President Trump’s union-busting Executive Order 14251 that has attempted to end collective bargaining for 85% of the unionized federal workforce. Join us for the rally!

Registration for IFPTE’s 2026 Legislative Conference is open! Rooms are still available–the deadline to secure sleeping rooms is Friday, January 16. Participants are encouraged to book their rooms. Conference information can be found here. Space is limited – register today!

IFPTE Tells Congress to Contain Health Insurance Costs and Pass Bipartisan Bill to Extend ACA Tax Credits

Ahead of the House of Representative’s vote on H.R. 1834, a bipartisan three-year extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, which expired at the end of 2025, IFPTE called on lawmakers to pass the bill to prevent some 5 million Americans from being uninsured and raising costs of health care for ACA policy holders and all people in the U.S. health care system. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

Bell Canada Continues to Target TEAM Jobs for Layoffs

Earlier this week, Bell initiated another round of workforce reductions impacting TEAM Local 161 members. These cuts will result in the loss of at least 46 jobs from the TEAM bargaining unit and have significant implications for both the employees directly affected and those who remain. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

House of Representatives Passes FY26 Funding for NASA, Army Corps, EPA, NOAA and Immigration Courts, Rejects Trump Administration’s Extreme Budget Cuts

On Thursday, an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the U.S. House of Representatives passed a “minibus” legislative package that includes three Fiscal Year 2026 funding bills that reject the extreme cuts in the Trump Administration’s budget. The bill is accompanied by directions to federal agencies in the “joint explanatory statement” that reflects several IFPTE priorities. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

IFPTE Union Council 8 Brings Holiday Cheer to Children and Families in Union County, New Jersey

IFPTE Union Council 8 teamed up with the United Way of Greater Union County, the City of Elizabeth, New Jersey, and Phillips 66 in support of a toy distribution to serve children and families in Union County, New Jersey, during the Holiday Season. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

IFPTE Calls on U.S. Government to “Return to its Longstanding Roles as a Constructive Global Partner–One that Prioritizes Peace, Stability, and the Shared Interests of Working People Everywhere”

“The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) stands in full solidarity with the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and affirms the sentiments expressed by the Canadian Labour Congress, along with those of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas (TUCA), in condemning the recent military action carried out by the United States in Venezuela. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

IFPTE Honors Brother George Gammad, President Emeritus of Local 777, for Over 35 Years of Service to the United States Army Corps of Engineers

IFPTE is proud to salute and honor Brother George Gammad as he retires this week from federal government service. George was a founding member of Local 99 (which later merged into Local 777) at the Army Corps of Engineers, and served as the President of Local 99 for more than two decades. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

IFPTE Responds to NASA Administrator Isaacman’s Misleading and Midguided Explanation for Closing NASA’s Largest Research Library

“I want to chalk up NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman misguided explanation for the closing of NASA’s research library at the Goddard Space Center to his being new to the job and to the poor advice that he has received from his staff. His public statement regarding the library, released on X, is patently false and must be challenged.” If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

SAVE THE DATE!!!
IFPTE 62nd Convention
Toronto, ON, Canada
July 19-22, 2027

LABOUR NEWS

Record-High CEO Pay in Canada Deepens Gap with Average Workers’ Earnings

In its recent report, Living the High Life: A Record-Breaking Year for CEO Pay in Canada, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) reveals that pay for Canada’s 100 top-earning CEOs climbed to record levels in 2024, averaging $16.2 million and further accelerating the growing gap between executive compensation and what most workers earn.

MFL Health and Safety Conference

Registration for the Manitoba Federation of Labour Health and Safety Conference is open. The conference runs from Feb 5-6 and provides worker-focused education and tools for union activists to help them be more effective health and safety committee members and advocates for health and safety in the workplace.

Weekly Union Recap December 12, 2025

December 15, 2025 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

Registration for IFPTE’s 2026 Legislative Conference is now open! Participants are encouraged to book their rooms. Conference information can be found here. Space is limited – register today!

New Jersey Congressman Donald Norcross Joins Federal Caucus Monthly Meeting

As a part of IFPTE’s Federal Caucus Zoom meeting held today, IFPTE hosted New Jersey Congressman Donald Norcross to address IFPTE’s federal membership and the larger membership overall. The webinar included a legislative and legal update, followed by Congressman Norcross’s update to IFPTE’s members on his work on Capitol Hill against President Trump’s union-busting agenda. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

House Passes Bipartisan Protecting America’s Workforce Act in Support of Federal Employee Collective Bargaining Rights

While Republican Congressional leaders were using their majority to scuttle NDAA language rejecting President Trump’s Union-busting, a bipartisan bill in the House lead by Maine Democratic Congressman, Jared Golden, and Pennsylvania Republican Congressman, Brian Fitzpatrick, was easily approved on Friday in the House. The legislation, dubbed the Protecting America’s Workforce Act, would repeal the first executive order Trump signed that eliminated collective bargaining rights for over 1 million federal employees. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

IFPTE Continues Fight for Federal Workers’ Union Rights Despite Setback with House Passage of NDAA

After months of working to protect New Jersey Congressman Donald Norcross’ bipartisan language included in the House passed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Congressional leaders this week approved a final NDAA that failed to include Section 1110 of the House NDAA, which would have defunded President Trump’s Union-busting executive order by restoring collective bargaining rights for DOD federal workers. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

IFPTE Joins SUP Local 160 Rally to Support Hydro One Members

The Society of United Professionals/IFPTE Local 160’s Hydro One Local held a rally on Monday at Trinity Square in Toronto. IFPTE President Matt Biggs and Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson joined members on the ground, demanding a fair contract and reaffirming the International’s full support. More than 2,100 Local 160 members at Hydro One have been without a collective agreement since October 1, 2025. After five months at the bargaining table, the employer has still not presented an offer that reflects the vital contributions of Society members who maintain, operate, and safeguard the reliability of Ontario’s electricity system. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

Society of United Professionals/IFPTE Local 160 Hosts Empowerment Conference and Council

Nearly 200 members from across Ontario and Saskatchewan gathered in Toronto on December 6 for the Society of United Professionals/IFPTE Local 160’s annual Empowerment Conference. This year’s theme, Leadership Interventions, brought together a dynamic lineup of speakers who explored how equity at every level of the union can drive meaningful change within the union and across the broader labour movement. The conference also provided an important space to celebrate the tremendous work of the Society’s Equity Committees. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

IFPTE Attends Labor Event in Support of Endorsed Senate Candidate Graham Platner

IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer, Gay Henson, was joined by Legislative/Political Director, Faraz Khan and Assistant to the Executive Officers, Brian Kildee, this week for a labor sponsored event in support Maine Senate candidate, Graham Platner. Secretary-Treasurer Henson commented, saying that, “this event, with was an opportunity to reinforce our support for Platner, who is unapologetically pro-Union, pro-collective bargaining, and pro-IFPTE.”

Weekly Union Recap December 5, 2025

December 8, 2025 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

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Federal Workers Unions Urge Senate and House Leadership to Protect Union Rights for DOD Workers

As the leadership of the House and Senate settle all remaining issues between the respective chambers’ National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) bills, IFPTE joined with the Federal Workers Alliance unions to send a letter to Congress urging that the final NDAA text include language to protect the collective bargaining rights of Department of Defense (DOD) workers. TAKE ACTION:
Congressional Leadership Must Protect DOD Workers Union Rights in Final NDAA

SUP Local 160 Joins Ontario Minister of Energy’s Press Conference

The Ontario government announced that it has approved OPG’s plan to refurbish Pickering B Units 5, 6, 7, and 8 – four CANDU nuclear reactors at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. This is a major milestone for the nuclear sector in Pickering, and an important step in advancing our climate goals through investments in clean, reliable energy. Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) President Rebecca Caron spoke at the government’s press conference. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

House Oversight Committee Takes Aim at Official Time, Considers Other Troubling Federal Employee Related Bills

IFPTE weighed in this week on several bills impacting federal workers and their Unions that were considered by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. The series of bills, most sponsored by Republican House lawmakers, included a bill targeting official time for representational purposes and a bill to extend probationary periods for most federal workers to two years. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

“Organizing is Our Lifeblood” – SPEEA/Local 2001 WTPU Organizing Campaign Results in Huge Membership Increases

SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001’s Wichita Technical and Professional Unit (WTPU) Contact Action Team, tasked with increasing WTPU membership through internal organizing, successfully surpassed the 50% mark this week, up from 28% before the campaign launched. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

UNION STRONG – Pressure to Get DOD to ‘Do the Right Thing’ on Wage Grade Raises Works – DOD Wage Committee Reinstated and Worker Raises Implemented

Despite the actions of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to cancel the DOD wage survey committee, IFPTE learned last week that pressure from labor, including IFPTE, and Congress, most notably Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman and the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee (HSGAC) staff, wage-grade workers employed by DOD will finally receive their long-awaited raises. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) 18th Biennial Convention Recap

At the Ontario Federation of Labour’s 18th Biennial Convention, the Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) were well represented at the convention with over 30 delegates. As well, Society delegate Morgan Koch was elected as the OFL Pride and Solidarity Chair and was awarded the OFL Solidarity and Pride Champion Award. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

IFPTE Delegates Elected at 23rd Biennial CLUW Convention

The Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) gathered for its 23rd Biennial Convention in San Diego, California, from November 9-11, 2025. This year’s theme, “Women Around the World Unite,” brought together over 400 passionate women who came to celebrate and engage with the important work of CLUW. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

LABOUR NEWS
December 5, 2025

Win for Workers – Manitoba Government Announces New Rules to Protect Workers from Asbestos

Manitoba Minister of Labour Malaya Marcelino announced major new workplace health and safety rules that will literally save lives. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG

Federal Funding Cuts Threaten Chicago Harbor Lock, One of the Nation’s Busiest

Faraz Khan, legislative director for the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, a union representing 5,500 Army Corps workers around the country — including those who staff the Chicago Harbor Lock — said it wasn’t clear to the union whether the proposed cuts to the harbor funding were politically motivated. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG