Weekly Union Recap June 26, 2026

June 29, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

During the month of June, IFPTE celebrates PRIDE Month. We honour our Union Sisters and Brothers whose leadership and solidarity continue to strengthen the labor movement across Canada and the United States. As part of PRIDE Month, the AFL-CIO is profiling leaders from throughout the labor movement. Let’s honor our Siblings by viewing a profile each day of PRIDE Month!

Happy PRIDE! from IFPTE Local 21 President Bianca Polovina (they/them)

IFPTE Local 21 released a Happy Pride video featuring their President, Bianca Polovina, to celebrate Pride Month. President Polovina tells her story, while also highlighting the power and importance that Union’s provide to the LGBTQ+ community, saying that, “I’ve always been able to stay true to myself, thanks to my Union. Being in a Union means that you and your coworkers will always be treated with fairness…”.

Biggs, Henson Talk State of the Labor Movement on The Valley Labor Report

President Matt Biggs and Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson joined Valley Labor Report host, Jacob Morrison, earlier this month in Minneapolis while attending the AFL-CIO convention.

Society Board Member, Sharon Archer, Receives Bromley Armstrong Award

The Society of United Professionals/IFPTE Local 160 proudly celebrates Executive Board member Sharon Archer on receiving the Individual Recognition for Indigenous Activism Award at the Bromley Armstrong Awards, presented by the Toronto & York Region District Labour Council.

NAIJ/IFPTE Judicial Council 2 President Shares Union’s Perspective On Mass Firings, “Whipsaw by Politics,” and Structural Issues of Immigration Court

Speaking in her capacity as President of the National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ), IFPTE Judicial Council 2, Judge Holly D’Andrea talked to The New York Times’ The Daily Podcast to discuss the political, structural, and resource pressures that the immigration judges and the immigration court faces.

SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001 Issues Letter of Solidarity for Hotel Workers on Strike

SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001’s Executive Board issued a letter of support to UNITE HERE Local 8, representing the Hilton workers at Embassy Suites, Seattle, stating, “Your members are skilled and should be valued and share in the profits of their employer as their employer reaps revenue from visitors around the world coming to Seattle for the World Cup.”

Nuclear Energy is a Win for Workers, the Economy, and the Environment

The Society of United Professionals/IFPTE Local 160 applauds the federal government’s release this week of Canada’s Nuclear Energy Strategy, calling it the most significant federal commitment to nuclear workers and clean energy in a generation.

IFPTE Requests House Rules Committee Advance Bipartisan Amendment to Keep USACE in NYC

As the House Committee on Rules took up consideration of amendments to the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, IFPTE urged all Members of the House Committee on Rules to advance a bipartisan amendment that supports IFPTE Local 98 members’ effort to keep U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) offices in New York City from being relocated.

IFPTE Endorses Suzan DelBene for Congress — “Rep. DelBene is a Trusted and Proven Supporter of Working Families”

IFPTE endorsed Congresswoman Suzan DelBene as she seeks re-election to represent Washington’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. IFPTE’s executive officers and key staff provided comments.

TAKE ACTION, TELL CONGRESS

IFPTE Urges Congress to Block Trump Administration from Accessing Personal Medical Data of Federal Workers

IFPTE responded this week to efforts by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to unilaterally implement a rule forcing health insurers to disclose the individualized, personal medical information of current and former federal employees to the Trump Administration. In asking both Congressional appropriators and authorizers to come together in a bipartisan way to prevent the Administration from accessing this data, IFPTE reinforced to lawmakers that, “Medical records invoke core cannons of personal, social, psychological, cultural, and religious privacy that are absolutely sacred to all Americans.” Read IFPTE’s letter to key Capitol Hill lawmakers and join IFPTE’s member mobilization letter writing campaign here.

SAVE THE DATE!!!

IFPTE 62nd Convention

Toronto, ON, Canada

July 19-22, 2027

Weekly Union Recap June 19, 2026

June 22, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

IFPTE Honors Juneteenth

In observance of Juneteenth: On June 19, 1865—over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation—enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally received the news of their freedom. Today, IFPTE honors that history in the United States, recognizes the struggles endured, celebrates the triumphs of Black Americans, and reaffirms our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

SPEEA Leaders Ready for Action After SPEEA Convention/Conference

SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001 Council Reps from three states came together for the annual SPEEA Council Convention and Leadership Conference last week in SEATAC, Washington. The theme of the convention and training conference was, “Ready for Action”, with highlights including Wichita Council Rep Angela Hottle receiving the Stephen Pezzini Helping Other People Excel (HOPE) award for her union activism and community support, a report out from Negotiation Team members and Contract Action Team members, and workshops on topics ranging from labor rights, legislative issues and negotiations to empowering leadership development.

IFPTE Honors International Staffer, Karen Nairn, Upon Her Retirement

This week IFPTE international officers and staff, along with DC area Local leaders and members, gathered at the IFPTE Union House in Washington, DC to thank our colleague, Karen Nairn, for her 28 years of dedicated service to our Union. IFPTE’s executive officers expressed their gratitude to Karen for her service: President Matt Biggs – “We can’t thank her enough for her decades of great dedication to our Union, and our members. While we will miss her greatly, we wish her nothing but great prosperity and health in her well-deserved retirement.”

IFPTE Mourns the Loss of Brother Mike Calleo

IFPTE is saddened to share that our Union Brother, Mike Calleo, passed away peacefully on June 8th. Brother Calleo was a decades-long leader within the IFPTE and New Jersey Union families, having served as Union President representing members of Local 200/200A from 1988 until his retirement as President just this past April.

TAKE ACTION, TELL CONGRESS

IFPTE Urges Congress to Block Trump Administration from Accessing Personal Medical Data of Federal Workers

SAVE THE DATE!!!

IFPTE 62nd Convention

Toronto, ON, Canada

July 19-22, 2027

Weekly Union Recap June 12, 2026

June 15, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

IFPTE Efforts to Defeat Pro-Contracting NDAA Amendment Successful

IFPTE successfully worked last week to defeat legislation sponsored by South Carolina Representative, Nancy Mace, that would have lifted the moratorium on Department of Defense (DOD) A-76 competitions to determine whether federal work is appropriate for outsourcing and privatization. Congresswoman Mace’s misguided effort, which came during the House Armed Services Committee’s (HASC) consideration of the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), would have resulted in the loss of DOD federal civilian jobs to the private sector, likely including IFPTE- represented jobs.

IFPTE Urges “Yes” Vote on Faster Labor Contracts Act, Celebrates Bipartisan House Passage of Labor Law Bill

This week, IFPTE sent a letter to all Members of the House of Representatives urging them to vote in support of the pro-union bipartisan Faster Labor Contracts Act (H.R. 5408), championed by Democratic Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ) and Republican Congressman Pete Stauber (MN). The legislation, which was brought to the a House floor vote through a discharge petition process where a majority of House members supported the bill, against opposition from the House Speaker, would guarantee workers who organize unions to achieve a first contract through binding arbitration.

TEAM Local 161 Members ‘Take-a-Break’

Members and staff of TEAM/IFPTE Local 161 gathered this week in Winnipeg for the unit’s annual Take-a-Break lunch events. First held in 2012, the events provide members a valuable opportunity to take a break from work, join together for a meal, and connect with one another. As usual, the events were well attended, with over 40% of the membership participating across two locations this week, and an additional event still to come at a third location next week.

IFPTE Participates in the AFL-CIO’s 30th Constitutional Convention

As a proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, IFPTE showed up strong this week in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the AFL-CIO’s 30th Constitutional Convention. The four-day Convention’s theme was, “With You It’s Better in a Union,” and focused on the American labor movement’s path forward by empowering working people through grassroots membership engagement, securing strong collective agreements, and fighting back to defeat the attacks on unions from the current administration.

IFPTE Welcomes Canadian Labour Congress President, Bea Bruske, to the AFL-CIO Convention

President Matt Biggs and Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson were among the many American labor leaders to welcome our good friend and Union-Sister, Bea Bruske, to Minneapolis, Minnesota this week at the AFL-CIO’s 30th constitutional convention. President Bruske addressed convention delegates and reinforced the strong and unwavering Solidarity between the Canadian and American labour movements, welcomed remarks that received rousing support from convention delegates.

Secretary-Treasurer Henson Addresses Maritime Trades Department Convention

IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer, Gay Henson, addressed delegates last week at the AFL-CIO’s Maritime Trades Department (MTD) convention. Henson, who represents IFPTE on the MTD executive council, informed convention attendees about the unprecedented attacks on our nation’s federal employees, including the Trump Administration’s illegal elimination of collective bargaining rights for over 1 million workers, and tens of thousands of IFPTE-represented workers.

Canada’s Unions Take Concerns Over AI and Labour Rights to Global Stage

This week, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) spoke at the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland calling on governments around the globe to ensure workers have a meaningful role in shaping their economic future, including artificial intelligence, while warning against efforts to weaken collective bargaining and the right to strike.

TAKE ACTION, TELL CONGRESS

IFPTE Urges Congress to Block Trump Administration from Accessing Personal Medical Data of Federal Workers

SAVE THE DATE!!!

IFPTE 62nd Convention

Toronto, ON, Canada

July 19-22, 2027

Weekly Union Recap May 22, 2026

May 26, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

‘IFPTE Wishes All of Our Members and Their Families a Safe and Happy Memorial Day Holiday’

ENVEST – IFPTE Partners with TVA, Paradigm in Establishing STEM Apprenticeship Program

Led by Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson, IFPTE made history last Friday by finalizing a first of its kind STEM apprenticeship program. The program is entitled ENVEST Jobs– Empowerment Network for Engineering, Science and Technology Jobs, and will help to fund worker training programs to meet IT, cyber-security, and other needs of employers like TVA and others.

Secretary-Treasurer Henson Talks Appreticeships at AFA Summit

Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson was a featured panelist this week at a summit hosted by Apprenticeships for America (AFA). The event, which was held in Washington, DC, featured a panel organized by the AFL-CIO’s Working for America Institute entitled, “Stronger Together: How unions and employers’ power successful apprenticeships!”

IFPTE and SUP/Local 160 Lead IFPTE Contingent at CBTU Convention

International staff, Candace Rhett, and Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) Board Member and past Chair of the SUP Racialized Professionals Committee, Leon Simeon, along with SUP/Local 160 members, Johanne Konan and Lilia Shillingford, represented IFPTE this week in Atlanta at the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) 55th International Convention. More than 1100 people attended the convention themed, “Cherish Our Legacy & Bend to No One.”

SUP/Local 160 Attends EHRC Agents of Change 2026

Last week, the Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) attended Electricity Human Resources Canada’s Agents of Change 2026 in Montreal, joining industry leaders and changemakers for two days of meaningful connection and dialogue.

Current and Former IFPTE Members Advocate for Repairing Talent Pipeline for NASA and Supporting Strategic Workforce Capacities

GESTA/IFPTE Local 29 leaders and members were on Capitol Hill this week to meet with Congressional offices and discuss the need for Congress to support NASA’s talent pipeline, advance policies that enable long term talent retention, and make sure federal hiring practices are not wasting the resources, time, and commitment that agencies and early career employees have invested.

MFL Calls to End WCB Surplus Payouts to Employers

The Manitoba Federation of Labour (MFL) is calling on the provincial government to legislate an end to the Workers Compensation Board’s (WCB) annual surplus payouts to employers until several concerning workplace health and safety trends are reversed. Read more here.

TAKE ACTION, TELL CONGRESS

IFPTE Urges Congress to Block Trump Administration from Accessing Personal Medical Data of Federal Workers

SAVE THE DATE!!!

IFPTE 62nd Convention

Toronto, ON, Canada

July 19-22, 2027

Weekly Union Recap May 15, 2026

May 18, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

IFPTE celebrates Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We honour our Sisters and Brothers whose leadership and solidarity continue to strengthen the labor movement across Canada and the United States. To celebrate, the AFL-CIO is profiling members highlighting their accomplishments in the labor movement. Let’s honor our Siblings by viewing a profile each day of the month!

IFPTE Attends Canadian Labour Congress Convention

IFPTE Delegates from across Canada joined thousands of Union members in Winnipeg this week at the Canadian Labour Congress’ (CLC) 31st Convention. The Convention theme was “We Build, We Care, We Fight,” and focused on building worker power in all sectors of Canada’s workforce. SUP/Local 160 President/Canadian Area Vice President/CLC Council member, Rebecca Caron, lead the IFPTE Delegation, which includes Delegates from SUP/Local 160, TEAM/Local 161, WAPSPO/Local 162, and the staff and executive officers from the International.

IFPTE Hosts Its Spring 2026 Executive Council Meeting

IFPTE held their biannual executive council meeting this week in Washington, DC. The meeting was focused on IFPTE’s ongoing legislative and legal efforts aimed at overturning the Trump Union busting agenda, efforts to continue to grow through organizing, particularly in New Jersey, California, the Federal Sector and in Canada, and adopting the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget aimed at properly funding the key priorities of IFPTE.

SPEEA Prof and Tech Negotiation Team Outlines Contract Priorities

SPEEA’s Prof and Tech Negotiation Team has released its bargaining platform for the upcoming contract talks with Boeing. “Today (May 13), we released our bargaining platform, a significant milestone that reflects what members have told us matters most in our next contract,” said Andrew Ferguson, Negotiation Team member. “It draws on member and staff input, NPC survey results and the dedicated work of the Negotiation Team.

IFPTE Endorses Tania Nemer for Summit County Judge

IFPTE is proud to endorse Tania Nemer for Summit County Judge. Nemer, a former member of the National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ/IFPTE Judicial Council 2), had served nearly two years as a United States Immigration Judge before being illegally terminated by the Trump Administration. IFPTE’s executive officers offered their full backing of Judge Nemer.

IFPTE Mourns the Loss of Retired Local 259 President Melvin Tate

It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of retired Local 259 President, Melvin Tate, who passed away on March 26th. Brother Tate was a longtime IFPTE member and officer of Local 259, including serving as Local 259 President. Under his leadership he prioritized Local 259’s legislative program and in doing so was a key leader in moving IFPTE’s international legislative advocacy program forward.

TAKE ACTION, TELL CONGRESS

IFPTE Urges Congress to Block Trump Administration from Accessing Personal Medical Data of Federal Workers

Application Deadline: Today – Friday, May 15
All documents must be submitted by 11:59pm or
postmarked on or before May 15 to be accepted.

SAVE THE DATE!!!

IFPTE 62nd Convention

Toronto, ON, Canada

July 19-22, 2027

Weekly Union Recap May 1, 2026

May 4, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

May Day: Celebrating the Power of Workers

May 1st marks International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day or Labour Day – a time recognized around the world to reflect on the contributions of workers and the ongoing importance of collective action.

Rooted in the labour struggles of the late 19th century – including the fight for the eight-hour workday in the United States and the tragic 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago – May Day has long symbolized the push for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize. These movements also helped shape the growth of labour rights in Canada. While much has been achieved, these priorities remain just as relevant today on both sides of the border.

For IFPTE members across Canada and the United States, May Day serves as a reminder that progress in the workplace doesn’t happen by accident. It is built through advocacy, solidarity, and a shared commitment to improving conditions for all workers.

As we recognize May Day, it’s also an opportunity to look ahead – to continue strengthening our workplaces, supporting one another, and ensuring that the voices of workers remain central in the decisions that affect them. The gains of the past were won through collective action – and the progress ahead will be, too.

Remember the Dead. Fight for the Living: Day of Mourning 2026

Earlier this week, IFPTE members joined workers across Canada to mark the National Day of Mourning on April 28. In Winnipeg and communities nationwide, ceremonies honoured those killed, injured, or made ill because of their work – while renewing a commitment to prevention. This year’s observances highlighted a growing reality: workplace harm is not always visible. Alongside physical injuries, workers are increasingly facing psychological hazards — including trauma, violence, harassment, and burnout – across sectors.

“Defund this Union-Busting” – As DOD Moves to End Collective Bargaining Agreements, IFPTE Urges Senate Appropriators to Act

In response to Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth’s Union busting directive across all Department of Defense (DOD) agencies, IFPTE ramped up the pressure this week on Senate appropriators, particularly Senate Appropriations Chairperson, Maine Senator, Susan Collins, by urging appropriators, “to defund this union-busting as part of the current Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations cycle…”.

IFPTE Congratulates and Thanks SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001 Midwest Director, BJ Moore, on His Retirement

SPEEA honored and thanked Brother BJ Moore this week as he is set to retire after 25 years of service to SPEEA members. Brother Moore first served as Midwest contract administrator in 2002 before assuming his current role as Midwest Director in 2016. Before coming to SPEEA, BJ was a SPEEA member employed by Boeing in Wichita, Kansas.

IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer Henson, Guest on “Uncancellable with Dale Jackson” – Discusses the Future of the Tennessee Valley Authority

Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson was a guest this week on the “Uncancellable with Dale Jackson” radio talk show in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to discuss the future of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) as the nation’s largest public utility. Henson, who served as president of the Engineering Association (EA/IFPTE Local 1937), representing 2,500 TVA workers for 17 years before being elected International Secretary-Treasurer, discussed many topics regarding TVA.

IFPTE Requests House Vote Down Farm Bill that Makes Cuts to Food Nutrition, Increases Burden on States’ Budgets

Before the House of Representatives took a contentious vote on the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, IFPTE urged lawmakers to reject the bill on the House floor and to continue working on the 5-year agriculture policy authorization bill so that it meets the needs of American workers and their families, communities that count on food assistance, and farmers.

TAKE ACTION, TELL CONGRESS

IFPTE Urges Congress to Block Trump Administration from Accessing Personal Medical Data of Federal Workers

Application Deadline: May 15

SAVE THE DATE!!!

IFPTE 62nd Convention

Toronto, ON, Canada

July 19-22, 2027

Weekly Union Recap April 24, 2026

April 29, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

IFPTE Urges Support for the Bipartisan Faster Labor Contracts Act

This week, IFPTE urged House members to sign the discharge petition being championed by IFPTE’s good friend, Congressman Donald Norcross, calling for a full House vote on the bipartisan supported Faster Labor Contracts Act (HR 5408), private sector labor law reform legislation guaranteeing that newly organized Unions can procure a first contract with their employers. In urging support for the underlying legislation and the accompanying discharge petition, IFPTE alerted lawmakers that the legislation, “will help repair a broken process for negotiating first contracts after workers have successfully voted to form a union in the private sector.”

IFPTE Participates in Bipartisan Congressional Federal Workforce Caucus Panel Discussion

IFPTE was one of four Unions invited to participate in the inaugural event of the Congressional Federal Workforce Caucus on Capitol Hill. The discussion, chaired by Virginia Congressman James Walkinshaw, was an opportunity for federal unions and lawmakers to look past the current administration with an eye toward rebuilding the federal workforce now and well into the future.

IFPTE Joins Lawsuit Against Trump Administration Attempt to Politicize the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA)

IFPTE was on of eight Unions signing onto an AFGE-led lawsuit last week in the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts challenging the Trump Administration’s interim final rule shifting employee representational petitions, unit makeups, and election agreements and certifications from the non-partisan, career FLRA Regional Directors to the national FLRA board made-up of three political appointees.

IFPTE Attends Event in Support of Endorsed Congressional Candidate, Connie Chan

This week in Washington DC, IFPTE Local 21 Vice President of Legislative and Political Action/Western Area Vice President Frances Hsieh, Legislative Director Faraz Khan, President Matt Biggs, and Local 70 NPEU/Southeastern Area Vice President Amy Chin-Lai, attended a meet and greet event in support IFPTE’s endorsed Congressional candidate, Connie Chan. The event, which was hosted by California Senator Adam Schiff and Representatives Judy Chu and Grace Meng, served as an opportunity for Unions to meet Chan and learn more about her priorities as a potential member of Congress.

TAKE ACTION, TELL CONGRESS

IFPTE Urges Congress to Block Trump Administration from Accessing Personal Medical Data of Federal Workers

LABOUR NEWS

“Our Power, Our Planet”: April 22, Earth Day 2026

In their Earth Day 2026 messages, both the AFL-CIO and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) are reinforcing a shared priority: the transition to a greener economy must be built by – and for – working people. From clean energy expansion to infrastructure renewal, unions continue to advocate for solutions that create stable, well-paying jobs while reducing environmental impact. Read more on Earth Day activities.

April 28th – Workers Memorial Day – AFL Urges to Hold the Line for Safe Jobs

Elevating workplace safety and health issues is more important than ever. At a time of deep division, the desire for a safe and healthy workplace is something that unites people, and is important for our organizing, bargaining and advocacy. This is an urgent moment to hold the line against attacks on worker health and safety. Read more from the AFL-CIO.

Day of Mourning is April 28th – Canadian Labour Congress Releases Event Locations Across the Nation

April 28th marks the National Day of Mourning to honour Canadian workers who lost their lives or were injured or made sick while working. This most solemn day also provides an opportunity to refocus on preventing future workplace injuries and deaths. Every year, thousands of co-workers, friends and families of fallen workers gather at ceremonies across Canada to recognize the National Day of Mourning and to remember those killed or injured on the job. See the CLC list of Day of Mourning events.

SAVE THE DATE!!!

IFPTE 62nd Convention

Toronto, ON, Canada

July 19-22, 2027

Weekly Union Recap April 17, 2026

April 20, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

Defense Secretary Hegseth Orders An End to DOD Collective Bargaining – IFPTE Locals are Currently Protected by Court Injunction

Last Friday a memo signed by Defense Secretary Hegseth ordered the elimination of all collective bargaining agreements across the entire Department of Defense (DOD) impacted by President Trump’s illegal March 23, 2025 executive order. The order, however, does not currently apply to IFPTE Locals, and several other Unions due to the injunction we were awarded in our ongoing legal challenge to the order. While the Trump Administration is challenging our injunction, IFPTE Locals across the DOD, which there are many, will continue to operate as usual.

Latest SPEEA Spotlite Reports on Member Recognition Banquet, SPEEA Legislative Efforts in Olympia, Topeka

The April 2026 edition of the award-winning SPEEA Spotlight magazine recently hit the mailboxes of SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001 members. Among the reporting in the monthly member newsletter were articles detailing SPEEA’s honoring several members at the annual Northwest Recognition banquet, member visits with State lawmakers in Topeka, Kansas and Olympia, Washington regarding SPEEA’s legislative priorities, and the election of the Professional and Technical Units bargaining teams in preparation for upcoming negotiations with Boeing.

WAPSO/IFPTE Local 162 Secures Favourable Award

Following several months in the interest arbitration process, WAPSO/IFPTE Local 162 has secured a favourable decision, resulting in a new collective bargaining agreement covering the 2024–2027 term. The award delivers general wage increases totaling 12.75% over the life of the agreement (cumulatively equating to around 13.43% across 4 years) – a strong outcome that reinforces fair and competitive compensation for WAPSO members. All individuals who were members of the WAPSO bargaining unit during the term of the new agreement are eligible for retroactive pay, in accordance with the award. The results proved to be worth the wait and reflect a positive step forward for the Local.

SUP President Honours Ontario Tech Graduates

Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) President, Rebecca Caron attended Ontario Tech University Capstone event on April 13, where she delivered congratulatory remarks to celebrate the achievements of graduating students – the members of our future.

TAKE ACTION, TELL CONGRESS

IFPTE Urges Congress to Block Trump Administration from Accessing Personal Medical Data of Federal Workers

IFPTE responded this week to efforts by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to unilaterally implement a rule forcing health insurers to disclose the individualized, personal medical information of current and former federal employees to the Trump Administration. In asking both Congressional appropriators and authorizers to come together in a bipartisan way to prevent the Administration from accessing this data, IFPTE reinforced to lawmakers that, “Medical records invoke core cannons of personal, social, psychological, cultural, and religious privacy that are absolutely sacred to all Americans.” Read IFPTE’s letter to key Capitol Hill lawmakers here and join IFPTE’s member mobilization letter writing campaign here.

LABOUR NEWS

AFL-CIO and CLC Honor April 28th

April 28th – Workers Memorial Day – AFL Urges to Hold the Line for Safe Jobs

Day of Mourning is April 28th – Canadian Labour Congress Releases Event Locations Across the Nation

SAVE THE DATE!!!

IFPTE 62nd Convention

Toronto, ON, Canada

July 19-22, 2027

Weekly Union Recap April 10, 2026

April 13, 2026 / ifpte400 / Leave a comment

Trump Administration Budget Request Freezes Federal Employee Pay, Proposes Draconian Spending Levels that will Weaken the American Government – IFPTE Responds

IFPTE responded on Monday to the release of the President’s Budget Request (PBR) for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27), which was sent to Congress on Friday, April 3 and fails to provide for a federal employee pay-raise in calendar year 2027. IFPTE warned that the proposal, “completely misses the mark and fails to meet the needs and concerns of American people,” adding that, “if enacted, it would leave America weaker, less capable of providing services that Americans count on, and under-resourced in the event of emergencies or an economic downturn.”

IFPTE Endorses Connie Chan for Congress

“Connie Chan is the consummate champion for working families, unions, and everyday regular San Franciscans. A former IFPTE Local 21 member herself, Connie is the rare elected official who remains rock solid in her values that the government should work for the people; that billionaires should pay their fair share in taxes to rebuild our safety net; and that unions are essential to America’s success—and she delivers results accordingly,” said IFPTE Local 21 President Bianca Polovina.

IFPTE Northeast Area Locals Hold Their Annual Council Meeting

IFPTE Locals from across the Northeast area gathered together this week in Schenectady, New York as part of the annual IFPTE Northeast Council meeting. The meeting, which was chaired by IFPTE Northeast Council Vice President/Local 400 President, Denise Robinson, included reports of Local leaders, a discussion about organizing efforts in the Northeastern United States, and a report and bargaining update from International Representative, David LaFemina. Robinson commented on the meeting, saying that, “this year’s meeting was a productive one, and served as an opportunity for Locals throughout the Northeast to update each other on the issues impacting their memberships and share ideas of how to address those matters. I thank all of those who attended.”

Canadian Government Raises Federal Minimum Wage

Effective April 1st, minimum wage for federal sector workers in Canada increased to $18.15 per hour, reflecting a 2.1% inflation adjustment for 2025. Approximately 10% of the country’s workforce falls under federal jurisdiction, including members of SUP/IFPTE Local 160 and TEAM/IFPTE Local 161. With annual increases tied to inflation rates, the federal minimum wage rate has cumulatively increased by 21% since it was established in 2021.

IFPTE in the NEWS

Former Immigration Judges and Their Union Discuss Policies that are Undermining Fairness, Due Process, and Judicial Independence of Immigration Court

Policy changes introduced by the Trump Administration have resulted in the departure of more than 100 immigration judges, while those still on the bench are under pressure to prioritize deportation and deny bonds or face potential termination. Immigration judges who bring professionalism, integrity, and a deep understanding of immigration law to the bench should not have to fear being fired for carrying out their duties to the highest standards. Then National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ/IFPTE Judicial Council 2) represents immigration judges who work under the Department of Justice. Read “How Trump Purged Immigration Judges to Speed Up Deportations” in the New York Times.

After Trump Fired Him, S.F. Immigration Judge Went to See the Border for Himself

Former San Francisco immigration judge, Jeremiah Johnson, who was fired by the Trump Administration in November, traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border to see to see what it is like for immigrants coming into the United States. “It was surreal and also made me feel disappointed in the immigration system,” said the 52-year-old judge, who had been working at the downtown San Francisco immigration court for eight years, and practicing immigration law for more than 20. Instead of feeling debilitated, he felt free to do something he had long wanted to do: travel to the U.S.-Mexico border to see what it is like for immigrants coming into the United States — the very people who would stand before him in court to plead their case for why they should be allowed to stay in America. Read the article from the Mission Local.

Recently Departed NASA Research Physicist Discusses the Attack on NASA Science in New York Times

Dr. Kate Marvel, who recently left NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studied (GISS), wrote an opinion piece for the New York Times where she shared her frontline perspective on the dismantling and disruption of NASA’s pioneering science research that she and her colleagues have witnessed over the past year. GESTA/IFPTE Local 29 represents civil servants at GISS. “Humans have access to all this knowledge free of charge because of NASA. That was always part of the promise of government-funded science: discovery for all, wonder as a pledge to be something better and greater than we are,” writes Dr. Marvel. Read “NASA Flew by the Moon, but Behind the Scenes, Its Science Is a Chaotic Mess,” Op-Ed by Kate Marvel, in the New York Times.

SAVE THE DATE!!!

IFPTE 62nd Convention

Toronto, ON, Canada

July 19-22, 2027

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