Weekly Union Recap April 3, 2026

April 3, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

Good Friday Canada and

Wishing All a Happy Easter!

After Joining Labor Amicus Brief on Birthright Citizenship Case, IFPTE Joins Labor, Activists at Supreme Court

IFPTE president, Matt Biggs, and Assistant to the Executive Director, Brian Kildee, was proud to join others from the Labor Community and activists on Wednesday at the Supreme Court as the nation’s highest court heard arguments related to the Trump Administration’s attempt to eliminate constitutionally protected birthright citizenship.

IFPTE Applauds NASA’s Workforce on Artemis II Launch

“As Artemis II launches, it highlights decades of dedication by NASA workers and union members who helped design and build the spacecraft for the first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit since 1972,” said Tryshanda Moton, NCIL President. “The mission is a source of pride, featuring a historic crew that includes the first person of color, first woman, and first Canadian to circle the Moon. It represents a major achievement made possible by thousands of NASA employees and partners, marking an important milestone for NASA, the nation, and the world.”

NO Kings! – Led by Local 21, IFPTE Locals Across North America Attend No Kings

IFPTE was proud to be one of many North American Labor Unions to once again sponsor the third No Kings rally, which resulted in 8 million people attending over 3,300 rallies across North America. Countless IFPTE Locals and members attended, led by Local 21 whose members marched in San Francisco chanting, “No Corporate Greed. No Thrones. No Kings.”

NPEU/IFPTE Local 70 Members Attend Bargaining Academy Training

Members and leaders from the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU/IFPTE Local 70), attended the Local’s bargaining academy training last Saturday at the IFPTE Union House in Washington, DC. Members from seven different NPEU units attended.

IFPTE Urges House of Representatives to Approve Bipartisan Senate-Passed Homeland Security Funding, End Partial Shutdown

With over 250,000 civilian federal employees at the Department of Homeland Security about to go one month without receiving pay due to a lapse in funding that started on February 14, IFPTE requested that Members of the House of Representatives pass a Homeland Security appropriations bill that has been unanimously passed by the Senate overnight. The Senate passed the funding bill overnight in the early hours of Friday, March 27, with unanimous bipartisan support, and excluded funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol (USBP) enforcement until Congress can agree on immigration enforcement reforms.

IFPTE Endorses Representative Steve Cohen

IFPTE is proud to endorse Congressman Steve Cohen to reelection to Tennessee’s 9th District in the House of Representatives. Rep. Steve Cohen understands the strong relationship between energy production and job opportunities, and that’s why IFPTE is excited to endorse him to continue representing central Tennessee and the thousands of people who work at the Tennessee Valley Authority.

LABOUR NEWS

AFL-CIO on One Year Since Trump’s Union-Busting Executive Order

AFL-CIO President, Liz Shuler, issued a strong statement of Solidarity with Unions like IFPTE on the dubious one-year anniversary of President Trump’s Union-busting attacks aimed at stripping over 1 million federal employees of their collective bargaining rights.

Canada’s Unions Stand in Support and Solidarity with Trans and Gender-Diverse People

On Trans Day of Visibility 2026 (March 31), Canada’s unions affirmed their dedication to defend, celebrate and honour trans and gender-diverse people. Unions have long advocated for gender justice and equitable representation within our workplaces and the broader community.

SAVE THE DATE!!!

IFPTE 62nd Convention

Toronto, ON, Canada

July 19-22, 2027

Weekly Union Recap March 27, 2026

March 30, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

Courage and Solidarity: Celebrating the Power of Women

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, IFPTE’s Women’s Solidarity Network (WSN) honoured the women whose leadership and solidarity continue to strengthen our union across Canada and the United States. As a part of Women’s History Month, two of IFPTE’s leaders in their respective Locals were profiled by the AFL-CIO: Shaunna Winton on March 19 (SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001) and Tracy Miller on March 23 (SUP/IFPTE Local 160). Let’s all honor our Sisters as well as other Union Sisters by viewing a profile each day of the month!

IFPTE’s Amy Chin-Lai is Panelist at AFL-CIO Summit on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Southeastern Area Vice President/Local 70 President, Amy Chin-Lai, was one of several panelists at the first-ever AFL-CIO Technology Institute’s national policy summit on artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on workers. The event, which was held in Washington, DC on Thursday, brought together over 400 people from the labor movement, business and other stakeholder groups to discuss foundational principles of AI, including advancing labor’s policy, advocacy and collective bargaining strategies to make AI safer and more equitable for workers and their communities.

IFPTE Members Join Rank-and-File Union Members in Support of Claire Valdez for Congress

Several IFPTE members joined other rank-and-file Union members and leaders last Friday evening in New York City in support current New York Assemblymember Claire Valdez, who is running for the United States Congress. Valdez, who IFPTE called, “a champion for working families and their Unions” in their February 18^th endorsement, is running the fill the seat of retiring Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez for New York’s 7^th Congressional District. Former IFPTE Local 98 President and current co-executive director of the Federal Unionists Network (FUN), Chris Dols, was also in attendance and applauded Valdez’s commitment to labor.

IFPTE Endorses Senator Ed Markey for Senate

“IFPTE is proud to stand with Ed Markey in his bid to continue representing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States Senate. During his time in public service, Senator Markey has distinguished himself as a leader on a wide range of issues, from workers’ rights to national security. However, his environmental stewardship has defined his leadership and created a legacy that will serve future generations,” said President Biggs.

LABOUR NEWS

Manitoba Federation of Labour Responds to Provincial Budget

Manitoba’s 2026 Budget’s commitments to building and renewing critical infrastructure, like schools, hospitals and Manitoba Hydro projects, through Manitoba Jobs Agreements is good news for Manitoba workers and higher wages and bad news for out-of-province license plates on job sites. And this budget’s greater investment in our apprenticeship system will mean more Manitobans can build their future here at home.

SAVE THE DATE!!!

IFPTE 62nd Convention

Toronto, ON, Canada

July 19-22, 2027

IFPTE’s Federal Sector Update March 23, 2026

March 26, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

The International, in coordination with IFPTE Locals across sectors, continued last week to submit requests to Congressional appropriators and authorizers in relation to our 2026 legislative priorities. Some of our priorities include IFPTE’s funding requests related to protecting NASA science and aeronautics research from drastic cuts called for by President Trump last year, protecting United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) jobs from being diminished as a result of inefficient and politically motivated reorganizations, and reversing the Trump Administration’s unprecedented union-busting in the federal government by including language defunding the implementation of the two illegal union-busting orders signed by the president last year. On the authorization side of the equation, IFPTE is urging Congress to pass bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) legislation that continues to fund the projects and work performed by IFPTE members at both the USACE and the DOD, including blocking RIFs at our four public naval shipyards across the nation.

In addition to our funding and authorization requests, IFPTE continues to push for passage of legislation to help reverse and mitigate the attacks on federal employees that have been promulgated since President Trump assumed office last year. At the top of that list is passage of the Protecting America’s Workforce Act (PAWA), bipartisan legislation in both the House and Senate that aims to overturn the two Union-busting executive orders. This bill did pass the House last year after achieving an impressive, bipartisan majority of House members not only signing onto the bill, but also signing a discharge petition that enabled the legislation to achieve a full House vote. The Senate version of the bill also has bipartisan support. However, given that legislation in the Senate requires a 60-vote super-majority threshold to achieve Senate approval, coupled with the reality that Senate Majority Leader John Thune would be very unlikely to schedule consideration of this legislation, it is highly unlikely that PAWA can make it through the Senate as an independent bill. IFPTE will not be dissuaded though and will continue to pursue other legislative avenues toward passing PAWA, including through adding PAWA-like language to must-pass authorization measures such as the NDAA, as well as to government funding measures.

As we have reported for several months, the administration’s Union-busting agenda is directly impacting IFPTE members and Locals. While a federal judge has placed an injunction against the first executive order preventing implementation at IFPTE-represented DOD Locals, NASA and DOE among other agencies, are moving forward in implementing the order where IFPTE Locals represent federal workers. Of course, IFPTE has a pending lawsuit challenging the second order that includes NASA, but that case has been stayed pending a decision on several related yet to be heard cases in federal court and therefore has no injunction in place. IFPTE is obviously disappointed in NASA’s apparent eagerness to engage in Union-busting, calling it “both shameful and sad.” Regardless of how agencies elect to proceed moving forward, including NASA, IFPTE will continue to grow our Local Unions, build our strength, and represent our members.

All of this brings us once again to the importance of federal Locals signing up for the IFPTE EDues program, whether dues deduction continues to exist or not. As labor unions, it is critical that we proactively take charge of the things we can control, in part by collecting dues from our members in order to grow and strengthen our Unions regardless of what a court or an illegal executive order determines. These actions are very much in our control and are endeavors that we can successfully implement to grow our strength, and in turn our ability to continue to represent our members. In this regard, the IFPTE International officers, and especially the skilled organizing staff, are here to help each federal Local transition to EDues.  There is no time like the present for our Locals to grow our collective strength!  Please contact Pavel Gerardo (pgerardo@ifpte.org) and Brian Kildee (bkildee@ifpte.org) to get signed up for EDues.

We will continue to keep Locals updated here next Monday.

Solidarity!

LEGISLATIVE:

Fiscal Year (2026) Appropriations – There has been some movement in negotiations toward getting agencies falling under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funded, but there has yet to be an agreement, meaning that some 260,000 federal workers are now going without paychecks as the DHS shutdown enters its 5th week. While IFPTE does not have any members or Locals impacted by this shutdown, federal employees working for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including a significant number being represented by our friends at AFGE, are impacted. IFPTE stands in Solidarity with our AFGE Sisters and Brothers impacted by this shutdown and will keep an eye on this as the DHS shutdown persists.
FY27 Appropriations and FY27 NDAA – Deadlines for stakeholders to put in their FY27 funding priorities to House and Senate offices have either passed or are nearing. IFPTE thanks all of those Locals working with the International on those funding requests, and will continue over the next couple of weeks submitting IFPTE-specific appropriations priorities, including but not limited to adequate funding for NASA and NOAA, and the defunding of the Trump Administration’s union-busting executive orders through inclusion of the Protect America’s Workforce Act (PAWA) in the requisite appropriations measures. IFPTE also looks forward to working with defense authorizers on our priorities related to the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) NDAA.
Protecting America’s Workforce Act – IFPTE advocated for an amendment to all of the FY26 spending measures before House and Senate lawmakers that would have added the Protect America’s Workforce Act to the funding measure through defunding President Trump’s two union-busting executive orders.  Despite there being overwhelming, bipartisan support for PAWA, which passed the House in December, unfortunately no such amendment was ultimately offered to any of the bipartisan spending packages in either the House or Senate.  We will mirror our efforts through the upcoming FY27 NDAA and appropriations processes, respectively.
NASA Reauthorization – NASA authorizers in the Senate are currently drafting the NASA reauthorization bill.   In this regard, IFPTE will continue to prioritize the protection of NASA’s science and aeronautics research programs from efforts by the Trump Administration to dismantle them; urge Congress to impose a RIF moratorium at NASA to protect its amazing scientists, engineers and administrative workforce, and; include language similar to that that was included in the FY26 House NDAA to repeal the August 28th Trump union-busting order that included NASA.
2026 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) - The bipartisan leadership of the House Transportation Committee has met with stakeholders, including IFPTE, as they move to craft their 2026 WRDA reauthorization bill.  This biannual legislation, which provides funding and authorization for the Army Corps of Engineers, is a legislative priority for the IFPTE International and the IFPTE Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) Council.  With the help of all the IFPTE ACE Locals, and Local 561’s Mike Arendt, who represents the International on Capitol Hill along with IFPTE Legislative Director Faraz Khan on the WRDA bill, the issues of concern to IFPTE ACE membership will be worked on throughout this process.  We will keep you all posted.
 
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:

AFGE v. Trump, 3:25-cv-03070-JD – On February 26, the 9th Circuit issued an opinion overturning the (already stayed) preliminary injunction in AFGE v. Trump, 3:25-cv-03070-JD, the AFGE case challenging the 1st collective bargaining Executive Order primarily on 1st Amendment grounds. In its opinion, the 9th Circuit panel held that the district court had jurisdiction to address the challenge on its merits. This analysis is very helpful to us in our cases in dealing with any channeling arguments the government puts forth. The 9^th Circuit panel also specifically stated that it was not opining on the potential merit of any ultra vires claim, i.e. that the EO is outside of the authority of the President.   The case will therefore continue to proceed on its merits at the district court level in the Northern District of California. This does not directly affect IFPTE’s cases but is informative and helpful as far as the question of district court jurisdiction. The opinion is available here.
Labor Amicus Brief on Birthright Citizenship – IFPTE has joined the labor amicus brief filed on February 24 in the birthright citizenship case currently before the Supreme Court. The brief is available here; oral argument has been set for April 1.
Recent Labor Victories in the Courts – On March 13, a judge in the Rhode Island Federal District Court issued a preliminary injunction against the Veterans Affairs Department, ordering it to reinstate its contract with AFGE on the grounds that the VA’s implementation of the administration’s first national security exclusion Executive Order likely violated the First Amendment as well as the Administrative Procedures Act. And the previous week, on March 7, a judge in D.C. District court held that Kari Lake had illegally served as Acting CEO of the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the agency overseeing Voice of America (VOA), that the RIFs targeting VOA employees were therefore legally void, and ordered the agency to resume its mission of international broadcasting.
Schedule P/C Amended Lawsuit – On March 4, Democracy Forward and co-counsel filed an amended complaint on behalf of public service organizations and unions, including IFPTE as an affiliate of the AFL-CIO and representative of MSPB administrative law judges and associated professions within the bargaining unit. The lawsuit challenges the Trump-Vance Administration’s rule that unlawfully implements an executive order issued on January 20, 2025, titled “Restoring Accountability to Policy-Influencing Positions Within the Federal Workforce.” The Executive Order and rule lay the groundwork to convert a significant percentage of the federal civil service from employees who can only be fired for cause to at-will employees who can be fired for any reason at all. Thousands of employees-including those who protect our public health, the environment and our food and water-who were hired for their expertise and who serve in non-partisan civil service positions could be stripped of vested job protections, in violation of their due process rights and more than the president’s constitutional authority. See the GovExec article, which includes the amendment complaint, here.
Update on Status of Second IFPTE Lawsuit Challenging Union-busting EO – Just before the holidays, Judge Friedman issued an order staying IFPTE’s NASA case pending the outcome of various cases brought by AFSA, POPA, and NWSEA that were consolidated with the NTEU case challenging the first national security executive order.   Oral argument for those cases occurred on December 15; we are currently awaiting a decision from the D.C. Circuit on the consolidated cases. Once the DC Circuit issues its decision, the parties will have 14 days to file a joint status report that will include proposals for how our case should proceed.
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 and can now access a network of lawyers to help to get them the justice they deserve.   See the September 30th  GovExec article reporting on the Court’s granting of the preliminary injunction.
 
Status of all lawsuits against the current administration can be found at  Just Security: “Litigation Tracker:  Legal Challenges to Trump Administration Actions.”

GRASSROOTS:

EDues – IFPTE continues to encourage all federal Locals, whether dues get turned back on or not, to shift toward E-Dues. Please contact Brian Kildee (bkildee@ifpte.org) and Pavel Gerardo (pgerardo@ifpte.org), to get your Local signed up into the EDues program.
“Civil Service Strong” coalition – IFPTE has partnered 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.
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.

PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS:

Throughout 2025, the IFPTE Clips Team kept federal sector members informed and updated on the unmerited attacks against civil servants from the Trump Administration and a complicit majority party in Congress. To stay informed in 2026, sign up for IFPTE Federal News & Updates and encourage a coworker to do the same.

Weekly Union Recap March 20, 2026

March 26, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

Courage and Solidarity: Celebrating the Power of Women

During Women’s History Month, IFPTE’s Women’s Solidarity Network (WSN) honours the women whose leadership and solidarity continue to strengthen our union across Canada and the United States. As a part of Women’s History Month, two of IFPTE’s leaders in their respective Locals will be profiled by the AFL-CIO: Shaunna Winton on March 19 (SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001) and Tracy Miller on March 23 (SUP/IFPTE Local 160). Let’s all honor our Sisters as well as other Union Sisters by viewing a profile each day of the month!

Secretary-Treasurer Henson Talks Union Leadership, Public Service on America’s Work Force Union Podcast

In recognition of Women’s History Month, Secretary-Treasurer Henson was a guest this month on America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her path to IFPTE Union leadership, IFPTE’s efforts to fight against the unprecedented Union busting in the federal sector, and the membership’s dedication to public service. Hosted by legendary radio broadcaster, Ed “Flash” Ferenc, America’s Work Force Union Podcast is the number one Union podcast in America.

SUP/IFPTE Local 160 Members Jazmin Evers and Alika Hendricks Attend Commission on the Status of Women

Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) members, Jazmin Evers and Alika Hendricks, attended the Commission on the Sta) tus of Women (CSW) meetings at the United Nations in New York during their annual session at the United Nations in New York from March 9th to the 16th. Evers and Hendricks, who are leaders of the SUP’s legal professionals Local, attended the meetings as delegates with the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) delegation.

History Made at New Jersey State AFL-CIO 20th Annual WILD Conference

IFPTE members across New Jersey were proud to attend the New Jersey State AFL-CIO’s 20th Annual Women in Leadership Development (WILD) conference last Friday. With over 350 union women from all sectors of the labor movement in attendance, the WILD conference was a resounding success, with the highlight of the conference being addresses to attendees by three strong women leaders who have made history including Governor Mikie Sherrill, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, and New Jersey State AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Laurel Brennan.

IFPTE Joins NFFE, IAMAW on NTEU-led Joint Comments Opposing OPM’s Latest Power Grab Against Federal Workers

IFPTE was proud join the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) on joint comments being led by the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) opposing the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) attempt to remove federal employees being subjected to a Reduction-in-Force from appealing their dismissal to a neutral decider, calling it, “an extraordinary power grab that concentrates RIF appeals-related authority solely within OPM and the executive branch.”

LABOUR NEWS

CLC Webinar: Addressing the Housing Crisis

The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) has launched a new webinar series in 2026, The Issues and You, designed to deepen workers’ understanding of the issues shaping our lives, our unions, and the broader labour movement. Their upcoming webinar on March 31 will look at the housing crisis and how the federal government is addressing it.

SAVE THE DATE!!!

IFPTE 62nd Convention

Toronto, ON, Canada

July 19-22, 2027

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.