NO KINGS – Call To Action and Mass Mobilization – Saturday, October 18
President Trump thinks he’s a king.
In America, we don’t do wannabe Dictators or Kings. The power belongs to the people.
On October 18, we rise. Not to protect a broken system, but to protect each other, our families, our futures, and the communities and country we fight for every single day.
We must stand together now! As the president escalates his authoritarian power grab, the NO KINGS non-violent movement continues to rise stronger.
SOLIDARITY ALERT: “You are not alone” – ILWU Message to IFPTE’s Federal Sector Members
IFPTE is honored and humbled to report that International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) International President, Robert Olvera, offered his Union’s SOLIDARITY and support for IFPTE-represented federal sector members as we fight to preserve our jobs and our collective bargaining rights. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
IFPTE Endorses Jared Golden for Congress
IFPTE was proud to issue another endorsement last week for our friend, Maine Congressman Jared Golden, who is seeking his 5th term in the United States House of Representatives. Golden, who is the author of the bipartisan Protect America’s Workforce Act aimed at repealing President Trump’s March 27 Union-busting executive order, has been leading the fight in Congress to preserve collective bargaining rights for our nation’s two million federal workers. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
SUP Attends Launch of Port Hope’s Nuclear Discovery Centre
The Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) was pleased to attend the launch of the new Nuclear Discovery Centre in Port Hope, Ontario – a learning hub to explore the benefits of Ontario Power Generation’s proposed nuclear generation project in Wesleyville. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
As the Shutdown Enters Its Third Week, IFPTE Reinforces Our Support for Federal Workers in Latest Hill Letter
IFPTE sent an updated letter to Congressional leaders this week calling for “a bipartisan solution to this shutdown that funds the priorities and programs relied upon by the public, including those provided by IFPTE members, while ensuring that said spending levels are protected against an administration that has already proven that they will ignore congressionally spending directives.” If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
Labour News
OFL: Workers pay the price as Ford’s Conservatives slash employment law enforcement
New data on employment law prosecutions obtained by the Ontario Federation Labour (OFL) and Data Shows reveal a dramatic falloff under Ford’s Progressive Conservative government. Doug Ford’s government laid just 150 charges against employers for serious ESA violations from 2024 – 2025 – compared to over 1,500 in 2015. Read more here
In June, more than 5 million Americans gathered across the nation to stand against President Trump’s attempted dictatorship. IFPTE, along with more than 250 organizations, is partnering with the No Kings movement for the October 18 event. We encourage our Locals and members to Join the Movement. As President Trump escalates his authoritarian power grab, the NO KINGS movement continues to rise stronger. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
Trump Administration Announces Mass Firings – IFPTE Condemns
“IFPTE condemns in the strongest possible terms the announcement today from OMB Director Russ Vought and subsequent confirmations from the White House that the Trump Administration has begun to fire federal employees across the government. This is not only illegal, but it is also doing a great disservice to the American public.” If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
IFPTE Challenges Latest Union-Busting Executive Order in Federal Court
IFPTE executive officers issued the following statements in relation to IFPTE’s legal challenge to President Trump’s August 28th Union-busting executive order. Said President Biggs, “Instead of reversing course on their unprecedented Union-busting, the Trump Administration doubled down on August 28th by unilaterally issuing yet another illegal executive order stripping Union rights from federal workers at several agencies, including NASA, where IFPTE represents approximately 6,000 federal civil servants.” If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
After Senate Passes NDAA, IFPTE Turns Attention to NDAA Conference to Restore Bargaining Rights for DOD Workers
The Senate NDAA supports our nation’s public shipyards, authorizes additional investments to build out our nation’s Naval strength, continues Congress’s commitment to funding the maritime industrial based. IFPTE also applauds the inclusion of Section 1108 which ensures that Navy shipyard capabilities are not diminished through any reductions in the workforce. The legislation includes key provisions to support federal civilian employees and the Department of Defense workforce. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
‘End the Shutdown’ – Local 777, Unions, and Elected Officials Rally on Federal Plaza
“The Trump administration has been shutting down the government services our communities rely on from day one; this unwelcome escalation is another jab at working people. From illegal purges of civil servants, to closing whole agencies, to sending agents and soldiers to scare communities away from public life, none of this aligns with the oath federal workers took and still believe in. The atrophy of constitutional checks and balances emboldens the billionaires, but federal workers remain here to stand for the public good,” said Local 777 President Colin Smalley. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
Fired Immigration Judges Go Public – Speak to the National Press Foundation
Judges Petit and Soper, who are among the 139 Immigration Judges who have been fired or otherwise removed from their jobs since President Trump assumed office on January 20, addressed upwards of 30 reporters from across the United States for a discussion on the immigration courts and the firing of judges without cause. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
IFPTE Applauds Introduction of FAST Justice Act, Allowing Fed Workers to File Appeals in Court if MSPB Appeals are Obstructed
IFPTE has endorsed the Fair Access to Swift and Timely (FAST) Justice Act, legislation that would give federal workers a private right of action and allow them to take their cases to federal court if the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) fails to act on an appeal within 120 days. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
TEAM Members Ratify Contract
Members of TEAM/IFPTE Local 161 voted to ratify their recently negotiated contract with Bell/MTS. The Memorandum of Agreement dated October 1, 2025, has been approved by the membership, with 84.4% of eligible TEAM members participating in the vote. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
IFPTE’s Atlantic Council Meets in North Hazlet, New Jersey
IFPTE Atlantic Area Locals met this week in New Jersey to discuss a myriad of issues impacting IFPTE’s membership in New Jersey. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
IFPTE Northeast Council Hosts Its Annual Meeting
IFPTE Locals from the Northeast Area met in New York as a part of their annual meeting. The Northeast Council discussed several issues affecting their members, including the impact of tariffs on the jobs of IFPTE members. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
NPEU Hosts Annual Membership Meeting
Members of the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU/IFPTE Local 70) held their annual membership meeting this week via Zoom. The meeting, chaired by NPEU President Amy Chin-Lai, was attended by some 200 NPEU members. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
In June, more than 5 million Americans gathered across the nation to stand against President Trump’s attempted dictatorship. IFPTE, along with more than 250 organizations, is partnering with the No Kings movement for the October 18 event. We encourage our Locals and members to Join the Movement. As President Trump escalates his authoritarian power grab, the NO KINGS movement continues to rise stronger. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
IFPTE Scores Major Court Victory Against Union-Busting Executive Orders for DOD and EPA Members
In a major legal victory for IFPTE’s federal membership and for all federal workers, a federal judge granted our petition for an injunction protecting IFPTE-represented employees working at the Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency from the Trump Administration’s March 27 union-busting executive order. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
IFPTE Condemns the Failure to Fund the Government on the Republican Majority in Congress and the Trump Administration
Said President Biggs, “Since his first day in office, President Trump has made clear that he does not appreciate the role of a professional civil service or understand the link between the work of our dedicated civil servants and the vast services they provide the American public. That we find ourselves at this point should come as a shock to no one. The only surprise is that there is actually something this administration doesn’t want to own: a completely avoidable government shutdown. The president and his followers in Congress can continue their feckless propaganda campaign aimed at blaming everyone else for this failure, but the fact remains that their party controls all three branches of government.” If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
SUP Honours National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada—a day to reflect on the tragic legacy of the residential school system. Over 150,000 Indigenous children were taken from their families over 150 years, and many never returned home. To honour survivors, remember the victims, and commit to advancing reconciliation, the Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) has released a video message from Executive Vice President Ralph Chatoor. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
Progress on Trade in Canada Must Reflect a Commitment to Indigenous Rights
Canada’s unions are marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by calling on government to fulfill its obligations under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDRIP). If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
GESTA Local 29 Members, IFPTE International Join Maryland Congressional Delegation for Capitol Hill Press Conference
GESTA Local 29 members joined members from AFSCME and IFPTE international staff, Faraz Khan and Brian Kildee on Capitol Hill on Wednesday at a press conference sponsored by members of the Maryland Congressional delegation regarding the damage that the government shutdown is inflicting on federal employees. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
Senate Commerce Democrats Report on Unconstitutional Gutting of NASA Reflects the Dire Reality for the Agency’s Workforce and Mission
IFPTE responded this week to the findings in “The Destruction of NASA’s Mission,” released by Senate Commerce, Science, and Technology Committee Democrats and the Committee’s Ranking Member, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA). If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
NPEU/IFPTE Local 70 Organizing Update: Staff at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington Form A Union
The staff of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) have officially unionized as CREW United, joining the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU/, IFPTE Local 70. If you would like to read the full story go to IFPTE.ORG
In June, more than 5 million Americans gathered across the nation to stand against President Trump’s attempted dictatorship. IFPTE, along with more than 230 organizations, is partnering with the No Kings movement for the October 18 event. We welcome and encourage our Locals and members to join us for the kick-off call on September 18 at 8:00 p.m. EST. As President Trump escalates his authoritarian power grab, the NO KINGS movement continues to rise stronger.
IFPTE Applauds House Passage of NDAA to Protect Union Rights for DOD’s Workforce
This week, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA) with language that prevents the Department of Defense (DOD) from implementing the March 27 Executive Order (EO) that revokes collective bargaining agreements and bargain rights for at DOD and 17 other agencies. The inclusion of this language, in Section 11110 of the House NDAA, titled “Limitation on use of funds to limit collective bargaining,” is a significant step forward in reversing part of the EO, which calls for revoking over 1 million federal workers’ union rights, making it the largest single union busting effort in American history.
IFPTE Local 21 Members Out In Force as Oakland City Workers Fight for a Fair Contract
IFPTE Local 21 is urging the city of Oakland to allow police officers to do police work by replacing front desk functions performed by rank-and-file police officers with civilian city of Oakland employees, “to save money and put more cops on the street.”
IFPTE Calls on Secretary Hegseth to Do the Right Thing – Exempt DOD Workers from Union-busting Executive Order
IFPTE sent a letter to Defense Secretary Hegseth this week urging him to exercise the exemption option included in the Trump union-busting executive orders arguing that, “IFPTE-represented bargaining units have shown over decades that the missions of their DoD subcomponents are assisted by, rather than inconsistent with, collective bargaining, especially given the position-specific determinations made by the FLRA over the years to determine when individual positions were not part of an “appropriate” unit.”
Hands Off TVA! – Secretary-Treasurer Henson Addresses TVA Board, Talks to Valley Labor Report on Labor’s Fight to Keep TVA Serving the Public, Not Profits
Over the August recess, IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson and Engineering Association (EA), Local 1937 President, Anthony Chorney, lead IFPTE’s fight against rumored interest by the Trump Administration to consider privatizing the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Henson, who is the former longtime president of the Engineering Association (EA), Local 1937, and a 38 year employee of TVA and who attended a TVA board a TVA board meeting on August 20th along with Chorney, David Littlejohn, and community allies testified to board members that, “Selling TVA to a profit-making entity would have disastrous consquences for the region, TVA customers, TVA’s beautiful and well-cared for natural resources, the region’s economic growth and every single person who lives and works in the Valley.”
Labour News
Canadian Labour Congress Statement on the Prime Minister’s Trade and Tariff Announcement
The Canadian Labour Congress released a statement last week in response to Prime Minister Carney’s trade and tariff announcement. “Canada’s unions are ready to work with the government to make sure the announcement delivers for workers and for our economy. Ottawa‘s strategy must prioritize good jobs and better lives for workers and their families.
“When We Fight, We Win” – From Honolulu to Toronto, IFPTE Locals, Members Participate in Labour Day Festivities
IFPTE members and Locals across North America participated in Labor Day events in their local communities to celebrate and honor working families. Among the many Locals that represented IFPTE strongly at Labour Day gatherings and marches were Local 121 at the Hawaii Labor Unity Picnic in Waikiki; the Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) at Toronto’s annual Labour Day parade, and Locals 1921 and 29 at Greenbelt, Maryland’s annual Labor Day parade.
SUP President, Rebecca Caron, Joins Letter Calling on Ontario Gov’t to “Improve Safety in Courtrooms Across the Province
In response to the tragic and fatal shooting that occurred on July 31st at the youth centre on Wapekaka First Nation during court proceedings, Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) President Rebecca Caron joined Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) President, JP Hornick, and Ontario Crown Attorney’s Association President, Donna Kellway, signed a joint letter urging Attorney General Doug Downey to take immediate action to, “prevent further risks to the health and safety of courthouse staff, the judiciary, counsel, justice system participants, and the public.”
Hands Off TVA! – Secretary-Treasurer Henson Addresses TVA Board, Talks to Valley Labor Report on Labor’s Fight to Keep TVA Serving the Public, Not Profits
Over the August recess, IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson and Engineering Association (EA), Local 1937 President, Anthony Chorney, lead IFPTE’s fight against rumored interest by the Trump Administration to consider privatizing the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Henson, who is the former longtime president of the Engineering Association (EA), Local 1937, and a 38 year employee of TVA and who attended a TVA board a TVA board meeting on August 20th along with Chorney, testified to board members that, “Selling TVA to a profit-making entity would have disastrous consquences for the region, TVA customers, TVA’s beautiful and well-cared for natural resources, the region’s economic growth and every single person who lives and works in the Valley.”
SPEEA’S WTPU Unit Prepares for Negotiations with Spirit AeroSystems
SPEEA’s Wichita Technical and Professional Unit – or WTPU — is moving forward in its preparations for upcoming contract negotiations with management at Spirit AeroSystems. Council Reps in Wichita in August elected five people to serve on the WTPU bargaining team: Patti Brinkmeyer, Emily Forest, Wes Gardner, James Hatfield, and Cathy Yeager. In addition, the WTPU Contract Action Team – made up of activists from among the ranks of dues-paying SPEEA members in Wichita — has begun meeting to discuss ways to support negotiations.
IFPTE Canadian Locals Gather in Winnipeg for Semi-Annual Meeting of CCL
TEAM/Local 161 and WAPSO/Local 162 welcomed leaders from sister Canadian IFPTE Locals, the Society/Local 160, and SCMMA/Local 222, to Winnipeg for the Council of Canadian Locals’ second meeting of the year, occurring on August 22nd. The Local leaders were joined by special guest Ian Cantello, President of the Regina Civic Middle Management Association (RCMMA), as well as IFPTE President Matt Biggs, who attended virtually, and IFPTE Canadian Area staff.
IFPTE Members Attend John Garrity’s Homegoing Celebration
Our Union Brother and former Local 3 President, John Garrity, sadly passed away on August 19 at his home in Delaware after a long bout with cancer. IFPTE offered our deepest condolences to his wife, MaryJo, their three children, the Garrity family, and the Local 3 family. IFPTE International Representative, David LaFemina, and President, Matt Biggs, attended his funeral and served as pallbearers last Thursday in Newark, Delaware. Brother LaFemina also delivered John’s eulogy.
Sherrod Brown Earns IFPTE’s Endorsement for U.S. Senate
IFPTE was proud to endorse our longtime friend, and one of the staunchest supporter of working families and their Unions the United States Congress has ever seen, Sherrod Brown, for the United States Senate. In issuing the endorsement, IFPTE called Brown, who previously served Ohio citizens in both the Senate and the House of Representatives and boasts an unblemished 100% lifetime voting record of approval from the AFL-CIO , “a true friend of workers and unions, and a champion for workers’ rights.”
IFPTE in the NEWS
9/5/2025 – The People of Snohomish County Support Us (the STAND)Half-dozen members from SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001 turned out for informational picketing in support of the Everett News Guild last night. The Local’s E-Board also sent a letter of support.
IFPTE’s Weekly RECAP will be on hiatus until September 5, 2025. For updates, visit IFPTE’s website at ifpte.org [ifpte.org]
IFPTE International Files Unfair Labor Practice – Raises Alarm as Army, DOD Ignore NCR Obligations IFPTE filed Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges against the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of the Army after identifying over 30 instances where both the DoD and the Army have failed to honor IFPTE’s National Consultation Rights (NCR). Read more…
Local 12 President, Tiera Beachamp, Participates in Washington State AFL-CIO Convention Union leaders from across the state of Washington, including IFPTE Local 12 President Tiera Beauchamp, gathered in Solidarity this week in Vancouver, Washington, at the Washington State AFL-CIO’s 2025 Convention. The Convention theme was Our Voice, Our Power, Our Movement, and included several workshops ranging from how to build strong Union-driven campaigns to legislative advocacy to organizing. Read more…
ORGANIZING ALERT: Carnegie Workers Fight for Voluntary Recognition Over 75 workers at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace are joining Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU/IFPTE Local 70) and have been fighting for voluntary recognition of their union since June 17! Read more…
IFPTE Joins Labor Event in Support of Representative Brian Fitzpatrick Federal unions, including IFPTE, sponsored and supported an event in honor of a great friend of labor, Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick from Pennsylvania. Read more…
SOLIDARITY ALERT: Retired IFPTE President, Paul Shearon, Joins Rally in Support of Union Organizer, Alfredo “Lelo” Juarez Zeferino Retired IFPTE President, Brother Paul Shearon, joined a protest last week at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington, in support of Union organizer, Lelo Juarez, where he and other immigrants are being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Read more…
Society Hosts Saskatchewan’s Official Opposition The Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) was proud to welcome members of Saskatchewan’s Official Opposition to tour Ontario’s nuclear facilities as part of their energy sector consultations. Read more…
IFPTE Joins Good Governance Groups on Letter Opposing Trump Nominee to Head Office of Special Counsel IFPTE and dozens of other civil society organizations and unions joined the Project on Government Oversight’s (POGO) letter telling Senators to oppose Paul Ingrassia’s nomination for U.S. Special Counsel because he is “unlikely to fulfill his duty of safeguarding the merit system.” Read more…
Calling all Federal Locals to ‘Get in the Queue’ with IFPTE EDues Program IFPTE continues to roll out the new EDues program, with Locals 121 and 1 currently signing up members, and Locals 32, 1921, and 12 set to take part in phase two of the EDues program. Read more…
IFPTE Keeps Members and Allies Informed on the Trump Administration in the Federal Sector Thousands of people have signed up to receive our Federal News Updates. Please fill out the online form to be added to the list, or if you’ve already signed up, please share this linkwith a friend or coworker.
Labour News
Council of the Federation Must Focus on the Impact of the Trade War on Workers On Tuesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Canada’s premiers met to discuss the impact of Trump’s trade war on Canada. Workers should be front and centre for Canada’s leaders, according to Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. Read more…
It’s Better in a Union – Workers Blast Trump Budget Bill Cuts in Tennessee at Latest Bus Tour Stop The “It’s Better in a Union” bus tour stopped in Nashville, Tennessee, on Friday for a worker roundtable and press conference on how Trump’s cuts to vital job-building programs and services are harming working Tennesseans. Read more…Bus A stops…Bus B stops…
New WCB Statistics Show that the Health Care and Public Sectors Lead the Province in Workplace Injury Rates New statistics released by the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB) reveal that Manitoba’s health care and public sectors have the highest workplace injuries rates in the province said Manitoba Federation of Labour President Kevin Rebeck. Read more…
Hands Off TVA! – Tell Congress to Keep TVA Locally Run and Locally Accountable Donald Trump wants to sick his DOGE dogs on TVA. Tell him no! For almost a century, TVA has delivered regional power and regional jobs for the region’s working families. Selling TVA to an outside energy corporation will put the shareholders’ bottom line over the needs of the rate payers. Company execs will pad profits by raising electricity costs on families living paycheck to paycheck. Keep TVA locally run and locally accountable. Keep energy costs down by keeping the DOGE dogs out. Read more…Send a letter to your lawmakers…
IFPTE Calls on Congressional Representatives to Sign the Discharge Petition to Uphold Federal Workers’ Collective Rights and Stop the Single Largest Union-Busting Effort in American History The executive officers of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) joined with Congressman Jared Golden (D-ME), Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Congressional Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Donald Norcross (D-NJ) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI), and Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar (D-TX) to announce the discharge petition to bring the Protect America’s Workforce Act, H.R. 2550, to a House floor vote. Read more…
IFPTE Locals Throughout New Jersey Join State Labor Movement in Opposing GovernorMurphy’s 37% Healthcare Cost Hike – Urge Legislature to Return to Trenton IFPTE and the New Jersey AFL-CIO were among the more than a dozen unions representing well over 140,000 workers in New Jersey calling on state lawmakers to return to the state capitol in Trenton and pass legislation mitigating Governor Murphy’s proposed 37% hike in healthcare costs for state workers. Read more…
IFPTE Strongly Opposes Trump Administration and OMB’s First FY25 Rescission Request and Urges Senate to Reject All Rescission Proposals On Tuesday, on a 51-50 Senate votewith a tie-breaking vote from Vice President Vance, the Senate advanced a $9.4 billion rescission package that would cancel Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) funding for foreign health aid and defund the entirety of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, FY25 funding that Congress enacted with bipartisan support. Read more…
IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson Attends AFL-CIO Annual Secretary Treasurers Meeting IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer, Gay Henson, along with Assistant to the Executive Officers, Brian Kildee, were in attendance this week at the annual AFL-CIO’s Secretary-Treasurers’ meeting in Washington, DC. The annual meeting is an opportunity for AFL-CIO affiliated Secretary-Treasurers to meet and discuss the major issues impacting working families, as well as to complete internal business matters. Read more…
Biggs Lends Support to Carnegie Voluntary Recognition Campaign President Matt Biggs adds his voiceto the calls for @carnegieendow to move past Andrew Carnegie’s legacy of union busting and voluntarily recognize @carnegieworkers!
#recognizeourunionnow#democracyatcarnegie ###
Calling all Federal Locals to ‘Get in the Queue’ – IFPTE EDues Program is Underway IFPTE continues to roll out the new EDues program, with Locals 121 and 1 currently signing up members, and Locals 32, 1921, and 12 set to take part in phase two of the EDues program. Read more…
IFPTE Keeps Members and Allies Informed on the Trump Administration in the Federal Sector Thousands of people have signed up to receive our Federal News Updates. Please fill out the online formto be added to the list, or if you’ve already signed up, please share this link with a friend or coworker.
IFPTE Calls for Bipartisan Senate Support for NASA and Legislative Branch Funding for Upcoming Fiscal Year This week, the full Senate Appropriations Committee considered three fiscal year 2026 (FY26) appropriations bills to fund NASA, Commerce Department (including NOAA), the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Congressional Research Service (CRS) as well as several other key agencies and departments. Read more…
NPEU Summer School Series Lecture: “Confronting Authoritarianism: The Role of Think Tanks” NPEU’s Political Engagement Teams are continuing their Summer School Series on July 29th with a lecture and discussion featuring Dr. Van Metre, former Director for Peace, Climate, and Democratic Resilience at the National Democratic Institute. Read more…
The Society Visits CUPE 5525 Picket Line in Solidarity Last week, the Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) visited the picket line of CUPE Local 5525 to offer our support and solidarity to the striking frontline care workers at Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. Read more…
IFPTE Endorses SPEEA Member David Garrett for Marysville City Council IFPTE is proud to give our full backing to SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001 member, David Garrett, who is running for the Marysville City Council. Brother Garrett has an impressive career of service to SPEEA, having served as SPEEA Area Rep, Council Rep, Northwest Vice President, and participating in key committees such as Tellers, Legislative & Public Affairs, and Organizational Planning. Read more…
IFPTE Participates in Summer AFL-CIO Executive Council Meeting IFPTE President, Matt Biggs, Secretary-Treasurer, Gay Henson, and Assistant to the Executive Officers, Brian Kildee, attended the biannual AFL-CIO executive council meeting this week in Washington, DC. Read more…
“Its Better In a Union” – IFPTE Joins the AFL-CIO, Labor Movement for Its Bus Tour Kickoff Celebration Led by AFL-CIO President, Liz Shuler, Secretary-Treasurer, Fred Redmond, and several labor leaders across sectors, including IFPTE President, Matt Biggs, the American labor movement kicked off the “It’s Better In a Union” Bus Tour this week in Washington, DC. Read more…
Calling all Federal Locals to ‘Get in the Queue’ – IFPTE EDues Program is Underway IFPTE continues to roll out the new EDues program, with Locals 121 and 1 currently signing up members, and Locals 32, 1921, and 12 set to take part in phase two of the EDues program. Read more…
IFPTE Keeps Members and Allies Informed on the Trump Administration in the Federal Sector Thousands of people have signed up to receive our Federal News Updates. Please fill out the online form to be added to the list, or if you’ve already signed up, please share this link with a friend or coworker.
Labour News
CLC Warns Against Austerity The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is speaking out against Prime Minister Carney’s instruction to cabinet to identify deep operational savings, a dangerous step in the wrong direction, one that puts critical public services and the workers who deliver them on the chopping block. Read more…
IFPTE Federal Sector Round Up on Trump/Musk and DOGE Attacks on Federal Workers
Despite IFPTE’s best efforts, along with the entire U.S. labor movement, the Senate and House managed to barely pass a budget reconciliation bill that eliminates over $1 trillion in combined federal funding for the Medicaid and SNAP programs. Make no mistake, these are historically steep and draconian cuts that the bipartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates will result in 16 million Americans losing healthcare coverage and millions more, particularly children, losing food assistance, not to mention the shuttering of hospitals across the nation.
In addition to doing away with healthcare, sadly this will also impact some 850,000 jobs, particularly in the public and healthcare sectors, which is very troubling for IFPTE Locals across the United States, as IFPTE represents tens of thousands of state and local government, and healthcare workers. After all was said and done, the bill passed the Senate when Vice President Vance had to cast the tie breaking vote after all but three Senate Republicans (Rand Paul, Thom Tillis and Susan Collins) joined all Democrats in voting against the bill. All House Democrats along with two Republicans (Brian Fitzpatrick and Thomas Massi) voted against it in that Chamber. In that regard, a special note of appreciation to Congressman Fitzpatrick, a good friend to IFPTE, who held firm in voting against both the House rule to allow the bill to move to final vote (the only Republican to do so), and against the underlying bill. We know that Rep. Fitzpatrick is as great a supporter of labor as there is in Congress, and we thank him for also seeing the fallacy of this legislation. President Trump, for his part, signed the bill on Independence Day of all days, leading the way for huge tax cuts for billionaires at the expense of Medicaid and SNAP recipients.
As bad as this legislation is, it could have been worse if not for the legislative efforts of IFPTE and the labor movement. Let us not forget that leading up to passage of the bill, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) Chairman, Rand Paul, with the support of Senate Majority Leader Thune, aimed to include policy proposals to eliminate official time for federal unions, give the President the authority to reorganize and dismantle federal agencies without Congressional approval, politicize the civil service, slash pensions, and undermine collective bargaining by forcing newly hired federal employees to choose to be at-will employees or pay a surcharge of 5% of their federal salary for merit protections. Simply stated, these proposals were intended to destroy federal unions. However, IFPTE’s efforts to work with key Senate offices against these proposals proved largely successful, as the Senate parliamentarian saw the proposals for what they were – policymaking based on an anti-federal worker, anti-federal union ideology. As a reminder, here is IFPTE’s response that includes our letter, and the Senate Budget Committee Dems response, and here isIFPTE’s statement following House passage.
IFPTE thanks all Locals that helped to work against this legislation. It was a long and grueling effort, but one worth making. A special shout-out to Local 21 as the Local and members implemented an aggressive campaign to let their Congressionals know that if they support this bill, we will remember come election time. After all, this bill is overwhelmingly unpopular among the American public, yet the Republican-led Congress acquiesced once again to the demands of President Trump and passed it, proving yet again that elections have consequences. We must not forget which lawmakers supported this, as well as those that did not.
Looking forward, Congress will continue to move forward with the appropriations process, something of keen interest to IFPTE and our members. Top of the list are President Trump’s proposals to slash science and aeronautics funding at NASA (science funding by 47%, with an overall NASA budget cut of 25%), slash funding at NOAA, the Army Corps of Engineers, GAO and CRS. We will continue to work in a bipartisan way with Congressional appropriators on these critical funding issues. Finally, IFPTE will of course seek to defund President Trump’s Executive Orders seeking to bust federal unions.
IFPTE also continues to work in support of HR 2550, the Protect America’s Workforce Act, legislation jointly sponsored by Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick and Democratic Representative Jared Golden to overturn the Trump Administration’s union busting executive order denying collective bargaining rights to 1.5 million federal workers, including thousands of IFPTE-represented workers, while eliminating union payroll dues deduction. HR 2550 has eclipsed over 50% of House support with 222 bipartisan cosponsors. As has been reported here for the last several weeks, we continue to pursue a discharge petition in the House, which will bypass the opposition of House Speaker, Mike Johnson, and trigger full house consideration. That effort continues and will likely run well into Fall, and perhaps even the Winter.
Legislative Director Faraz Khan is also working to procure a Senate companion bill to HR 2550. Senator Mark Warner from Virginia is ready to introduce the bill, but there has yet to be a Republican Senator step up to co-introduce the bill with him, a point of great frustration to IFPTE and all of labor. Keep in mind that Senators Susan Collins from Maine and Lisa Murkowski from Alaska enjoy large populations of federal employees working and living in their respective states, including thousands of IFPTE members. It should be a no-brainer for each to lead this effort on the Republican side, but they are picking and choosing which issues to fight the Trump Administration on and, so far, fighting for federal workers apparently isn’t one of them. IFPTE members, and all federal workers living in Maine or Alaska should contact each of their offices and ask the question: “Do you support me as a federal worker, or do you support President Trump’s attack on my rights?” We are continuing to work to get the Senate version introduced.
Finally, IFPTE continues to roll out the EDues program with Locals 121 and 1 currently signing up members, and Locals 12, 3, 1921, 561 and others in the queue. As reported above, there is an injunction on the Order eliminating dues deduction and collective bargaining rights and the dues deduction may be turned back on…However, IFPTE is advising Locals to transfer over to EDues, even if the dues are turned back on. As unions we can’t have faith that President Trump, or a future President for that matter, will not try to eliminate our ability to collect dues moving forward. We can control our dues collection and should do so moving forward. That said, we thank all of the Locals across the IFPTE family that stepped up to support IFPTE’s federal sector by contributing to the set-up cost of the EDues system. “THANK YOU” to Locals 1, 20, 21, 70, 160, 162, 194, 195, 1921 and 2001 for your generous contributions to the EDues program!
Below is a summary of where things stand in the Courts and the ongoing Grassroots efforts.
LEGISLATIVE:
The so-call big, beautiful bill passes Senate, House and is signed into law – As stated above, both the Senate and House very narrowly passed HR 1, a budget reconciliation bill that cuts over $1 trillion from Medicaid and SNAP and uses the $1 trillion in cuts to help pay for a tax cut for billionaires and corporations. Even with the cuts, the bill adds nearly $4 trillion to the national debt over ten years. As bad as the bill could have been though, IFPTE legislative efforts did pay off, as Republican efforts to include language aimed at eliminating federal unions, turning the federal government into an at-will employer, forcing federal workers to pay upwards of 15% of their income into their pensions without any benefit increase, and allowing the President to have carte blanche in reorganizing federal agencies were all disallowed by the Senate Parliamentarian. IFPTE thanks all Locals that helped to work against this legislation.
Appropriations – As we all know, federal agencies are currently operating under a Continuing Resolution (CR), as Congress has yet to pass the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) appropriations bills, even while appropriators are turning their attention to the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) funding bills. There are many issues impacting IFPTE members that are tied to the appropriations process, including NASA, NOAA, GAO and CRS funding, all of which are under attack by the Trump Administration. IFPTE will continue to work closely with the Locals and members as we advocate for them on Capitol Hill during the appropriations process.
The Protect America’s Workers Act (HR 2550) – As indicated above, we continue to work on the discharge petition for HR 2550, introduced last month by Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA) and Democratic Rep. Jared Golden (ME) to repeal the Trump Executive Order (EO) eliminating collective bargaining rights for 1.5 million federal workers, now has 222 cosponsors representing more than 50% of the House of Representatives. A discharge petition is needed because despite the overwhelming support for the legislation, House Speaker Mike Johnson will not schedule the bill for consideration. See IFPTE’s letter supporting the House bill.
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, which 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:
Supreme Court decision on nationwide injunctions and AFGE-led case in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California – A preliminary injunction was granted last month by the U.S. District Court for Northern California against Trump’s March 27th Union Busting Executive Order. The Judge in the case noted that Plaintiffs are likely to win and granted the injunction blocking the Order, saying that the Union busting order aimed to overturn 60 years of the legally protected practice of federal workers engaging in collective bargaining. Read the GovExec article about the injunction.
Remember that this AFGE case is the second of two filed so far against the Union busting order, with NTEU filing the initial lawsuit in the DC Federal Circuit. Unfortunately the May 7th injunction on the Trump union busting EO in the NTEU lawsuit was lifted on May 16th by a three-judge appeals panel. The 2-1 majority decision lifting the restraining order ruled that the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) did not prove damages to the Union, even though the EO caused the immediate elimination of payroll Union Dues from federal union members to their Unions, including IFPTE. The merits of the NTEU suit continue through the legal process.
That said, on June 27th the Supreme Court issued a ruling in what is being referred to in the press as the ‘birthright citizenship’ case. However, that case did not deal with the merits of whether or not birthright citizenship was constitutional. Instead, the Trump Administration challenged the ability of federal district courts to issue nationwide injunctions, like the one issued in AFGE case last month. The Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, threw out decades of precedent by limiting judges’ ability to issue nationwide injunctions against illegal executive orders, including the Trump union busting and RIF orders, just to name a few. In what can only be described as confusion, the MAGA Supreme Court seemed to be bending over backwards to appease President Trump with this ruling. Right now, it is hard to determine what exactly this means for all of the Union lawsuits against the orders – the lawyers for the Unions are determining this now and planning a legal path forward. In the meantime, here is a GovExec story on the decision. We will keep you all up to speed as we learn more.
Finally, IFPTE is expected to be Plaintiff in a yet to be filed third lawsuit against the Order, that will take into account this latest development from the Supreme Court. That should be filed later this Summer or Fall.
More lawsuits to come – As part of the overall litigation strategy, IFPTE is part of a coalition of unions joining together to file an additional lawsuit later this Summer against the Executive Order in a venue to be determined. We thank those Locals that have already provided information to our Legal Department and ask that Local leaders continue to do so as we prepare. Please contact IFPTE General Counsel Teresa Ellis at tellis@ifpte.org with any pertinent information regarding specific impacts from the imposition of the EO.
May 22nd injunction blocking EO 14210 on RIFs remains in place – The preliminary injunction in the Ninth Circuit that was granted on May 22nd stated that President Trump cannot implement mass layoffs of federal workers without the approval of Congress which created these agencies. “Presidents may set policy priorities for the executive branch, and agency heads may implement them. This much is undisputed,” said Judge Susan Illston for the Northern District of California in her decision. “But Congress creates federal agencies, funds them, and gives them duties that—by statute—they must carry out. Agencies may not conduct large-scale reorganizations and reductions in force in blatant disregard of Congress’s mandates, and a President may not initiate large-scale executive branch reorganization without partnering with Congress.” The ruling is an extension of the two-week temporary restraining order (TRO) she previously issued on May 9. This means the 22 agencies named in the lawsuit are prohibited from implementing their planned layoffs until the case is resolved.
The restraining order applies to the following agencies: OMB, OPM, DOGE, USDA, Commerce, Energy, HHS, HUD, Interior, Labor, State, Treasury, Transportation, VA, AmeriCorps, EPA, GSA, NLRB, NSF, SBA, and SSA and their efforts to implement or enforce sections 3(c) and 3(e) of Executive Order 14210 or the February 26, 2025 OMB/OPM Memorandum.
In addition, plaintiffs this week sought an emergency status conference for “apparent noncompliance” with a federal judge’s preliminary injunction barring officials from carrying out large-scale reductions in force. At least two federal agencies — the State Department and the Department of Housing and Urban Development — have “continued to implement” President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14210 despite U.S. District Judge Susan Illston’s preliminary injunction barring them from doing so. This, among other cases, moves in the direction of a constitutional showdown and we will be watching closely and ready to mobilize.
As explained in the GovExec article, the Supreme Court decision limiting nationwide injunctions likely does not apply to RIF cases like this.
The Trump Administration has appealed to the Supreme Court.
Possible victory against “channeling” – National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ/IFPTE Judicial Council) 2 First Amendment Case – Two weeks ago the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals delivered a huge win for the NAIJ/IFPTE Judicial Council 2, and federal workers, by reviving a First Amendment case brought by the NAIJ against the Department of Justice’s ‘gag order’ imposed on Immigration Judges. The DOJ policy required pre-approval by the agency for any immigration judge to speak on “official matters,” including for any union officials acting in their union capacity on behalf of the immigration judges’ unit. The district court had found that the NAIJ had to first go to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) before suing in federal court and dismissed the case. However, the 4th Circuit decision recognized the current state of affairs throughout the civil service system and questioned whether the MSPB and the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) were still functional given the Trump Administration’s attacks on them. In her opinion, Judge Berman wrote, “The Civil Service Reform Act requires a strong and independent Merit Systems Protections Board and Special Counsel. That foundational principle, that functioning and independent bodies would receive, review, and decide in the first instance challenges to adverse personnel actions affecting covered federal employees, has recently been called into question. Because Congress intended for the Civil Service Reform Act to strip district courts of jurisdiction only if federal employees were otherwise able to receive adequate and independent review of their claims, we vacate and remand to the district court to consider whether the text, structure, and purpose of the Civil Service Reform Act has been so undermined that the jurisdiction stripping scheme no longer controls.”
As such, the court has helped clear a path for federal unions arguing against so-called “channeling” to the FLRA, OSC, and MSPB by acknowledging the fact that bringing an issue to a broken system for a resolution is futile. Here is a link to the decision.
In other news on the legal front:
IFPTE is a co-plaintiff in a RIF case in D.C. District Court covering all our Locals, including DOD. As we previously informed you, plaintiffs’ requests for a TRO and PI were rejected by the court. This case is still pending on the merits; the government filed a motion to dismiss on May 15. Here is the amended complaint. We will keep Locals updated as this litigation continues.
IFPTE RIF guidance to Locals – Please see the March 11 memo from IFPTE GC, Teresa Ellis and Greg McGillivary of McGillivary Steele Elkin regarding Reductions-In-Force (RIFs) and Mass Terminations of Federal Employees. OPM, OMB and DOGE mandated that federal agencies produce RIF lists by April 14. RIF guidance memo here.
See the February 26th OPM memo instructing agencies to largely ignore RIF language in union negotiated CBA’s and calling on agencies to identify positions to RIF by April 14. IFPTE recommends that Locals file grievances if management refuses to abide negotiated RIF language in their respective CBAs.
Legal support for federal workers – Rise Up, Fight Back – Hundreds of thousands of federal workers have had their basic rights violated on the job—including tens of thousands who have been fired illegally. Federal workers have an urgent need for legal support. Federal workers now have a network of lawyers helping to get them the justice they deserve. See the GovExec article here.
“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 askingevery 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
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IFPTE wishes all members and their families throughout the United States a festive, fun, rewarding, and safe 4th of July
“The True North, Strong and Free” – IFPTE Celebrates Canada Day, Attends Solidarity Event at Canadian Embassy On this first day of July 2025, the 90,000 members of IFPTE across North America honour Canada Day. IFPTE was proud to take part in an event at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC today to sing the Canadian National Anthem, while showing our Solidarity and Support for our Canadian Siblings, Sisters and Brothers. Read more…
IFPTE Executive Officers Released the Following Statement on the House of Representatives’ Vote on the Republican Funding Bill This morning, Congressional Republicans were barely able to scrape together enough votes from their own party to pass their own bill that contains the broad policy agenda of their own president. This political win for a handful of out-of-touch Washington insiders represents a devastating loss for American families living paycheck to paycheck. Read more…
Local 21’s Kat General Elected First VP at APALA National Board IFPTE is proud to report that Local 21 Field Director, Kat General, was elected as the First Vice President to the national board of the AFL-CIO’s Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA). Kat commented that, “I am honored by the support and trust that APALA’s delegates from across the United States have extended to me. Read more…
IFPTE Condemns Senate Republican Bill That Extends Billionaire Tax Cuts on the Backs of Working Americans, Children, Veterans, and Seniors IFPTE abhors the Senate’s passage of the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” H.R. 1, budget reconciliation, which extends President Trump’s tax cuts for billionaires and corporations and offsets some of the costs through cutting nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) while adding over $4 trillion to the national debt through 2034. Read more…
SCMMA Supports Annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser for United Way The 49th Annual Civic Pancake Breakfast raised more than $10,000 for the City of Saskatoon’s community partner, the United Way Saskatoon & Area. Read more…
SCMMA Joint Annual Golf Tournament Raises $1,000 for Local Charity SCMMA/IFPTE Local 222 partnered with ESA once again for a member golf tournament on June 6, 2025, with a record high participation of 144 golfers. Read more…
Over IFPTE’s Objections, Senate Passes Historically Draconian Budget Bill Despite the best efforts of IFPTE and IFPTE Locals nationwide, including Local 21, the Senate passed, by a single vote, their version of the budget reconciliation bill that will go down in history as one of the cruelest pieces of legislation that has passed in Congress in recent history, if not ever. Read more…
Calling all Federal Locals to ‘Get in the Queue’ – IFPTE EDues Program is Underway IFPTE continues to roll out the new EDues program, with Locals 121 and 1 currently signing up members, and Locals 32, 1921, and 12 set to take part in phase two of the EDues program. Read more…
IFPTE Keeps Members and Allies Informed on the Trump Administration in the Federal Sector Thousands of people have signed up to receive our Federal News Updates. Please fill out the online form to be added to the list, or if you’ve already signed up, please share this link with a friend or coworker.
IFPTE Local 400 