IFPTE Federal Sector Update on Trump/Musk and DOGE Attacks on Federal Workers – Week Ending March 21 Read our Latest Update [click.actionnetwork.org] on our fight against the illegal and unprecedented attacks by President Trump, the so-called DOGE, including Elon Musk and his associates, and larger Trump Administration, against federal workers and the agencies they work for.
SOLIDARITY ALERT: IFPTE Stands with ESC in Unfair Labor Strike IFPTE stands with our Brothers and Sisters at the Engineers and Scientists of California (ESC/IFPTE Local 20) who will hold an Unfair Labor Practice strike next week against Santa Clara County. The affected members, medical professionals who work at hospitals and labs in the county, are holding a 3-day ULP strike because of bad-faith negotiations. ESC issued a media advisory outlining the issue earlier this week. An updated media advisory will be issued later today. Read the media advisory…
AFL-CIO Department of People Who Work for a Living The AFL-CIO’s newest Department, The Department of People Who Work for a Living, stands in stark contrast to the Trump Administration’s so-called DOGE. While DOGE is attempting to fire tens of thousands of federal workers, the Department of People Who Work for a Living is fighting to support dedicated and hard working federal workers who are serving the public each day. IFPTE encourages members to learn more about the new Department here…
Manitoba Federation of Labour Responds to 2025 Provincial Budget The Manitoba Federation of Labour applauds the Kinew government for focusing this year’s provincial budget on helping the economy by investing in creating good, family supporting jobs and building health care, education, highway, municipal, broadband, parks and other infrastructure projects. Read more here…
Dominick D. Critelli, Jr. Scholarship Award is Open for Applications The Dominick D. Critelli, Jr. Scholarship Award application/information is available until May 15. IFPTE will award four college scholarships of $2,500 each to children or grandchildren of IFPTE members. Read more…
IFPTE Continues Efforts to Defend the Public Services, Protect Federal Employees’ Jobs, and Uphold Our Democracy
Today the Senate provided final approval for a temporary funding bill that provides zero protections for federal workers and other targets of the Musk/DOGE wrecking ball. IFPTE President Matt Biggs said, “Senators who voted to let this bill move forward shirked their responsibility to rein in an out-of-control administration, especially those Democrats who failed to stand with IFPTE members and against the ongoing assault on our civil service, our Constitution, and working families in every state.” Read more and follow IFPTE’s outreach on the CR below.
IFPTE Federal Sector Update on Trump/Musk and DOGE Attacks on Federal Workers – Week Ending March 14 Read the latest update on our fight against the illegal and unprecedented attacks by President Trump, the so-called DOGE, including Elon Musk and his associates, and larger Trump Administration, against federal workers and the agencies they work for.
Local 12 is Latest Local to See Big Organizing Gains – Tops 600 Dues Paying Members Despite ongoing efforts to fire and RIF federal workers across federal agencies, IFPTE federal sector Locals across the nation have seen significant increases in membership, the latest being Local 12 representing workers at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. Read more…
SPEEA-Supported Legislation Helps Striking Workers with UI Benefits Senate Bill 5041, which would grant unemployment insurance benefits to striking workers, was approved by the Washington state Senate and sent to the state’s House of Representatives for consideration. “This was a major milestone for us, as supporters of the bill,” said SPEEA Legislative Director Brandon Anderson. “SPEEA members played a big role in getting it through.” Read more…
Local 12 President, Tiera Beauchamp, Named to Path to Power Program The Washington State AFL-CIO released the names last week of the Union members who have been accepted to their highly competitive Path to Power program and Local 12 President, Tiera Beauchamp, was among those who were accepted. Tiera, who has served as Local 12 President for nearly 5 years, commented on her participation in the program, saying that, “It is a great honor to be representing the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard as their President at the AFL-CIO Level.” Read more…
SPEEA Elects Two New Northwest Regional VPs, Reelects Incumbent Members of SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001 have elected two new Northwest regional vice presidents to their union’s executive board while re-electing an incumbent. Jeffrey L. Forbes, Tami Reichersamer and Lynette Shiroma were the top three vote-getters in the election, out of a field of eight candidates. They will begin their two-year terms on March 26, along with Midwest Regional Vice President Chris Streckfus, an incumbent who was unopposed for re-election. Read more…
SUP/IFPTE Local 160 Celebrates International Women’s Day
Society President Rebecca Caron Speaks at Port Hope IWD Event On March 7th, the Port Hope Chamber of Commerce hosted a special event in celebration of International Women’s Day, bringing together inspiring leaders dedicated to advancing gender equality. Among the distinguished speakers was Society of United Professionals/IFPTE Local 160 President Rebecca Caron, who delivered a compelling address on the critical role of unions in the fight for pay equity. Read more…
And the following day…
Society of United Professionals Joins Toronto’s International Women’s Day Rally The Society of United Professionals/IFPTE Local 160 proudly took to the streets in Toronto on Saturday, March 8, to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) and stand in solidarity with those fighting for gender equality and social justice. As an event sponsor, the Society reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for women’s rights and standing in solidarity with marginalized communities fighting for a better future. Read more…
Dominick D. Critelli, Jr. Scholarship Award – DEADLINE: March 15! The deadline to submit applications for the Dominick D. Critelli, Jr. Scholarship is Saturday, March 15. All required application documents must be postmarked by Saturday, March 15 OR electronically submitted by 11:59 pm. Read more…
Labour News
Mark Carney Sworn in as Canadian Prime Minister Amid US Trade War – Read more…
Canada’s Unions to Carney: Protect Workers from Job Losses and Uncertainty The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is demanding immediate and decisive action from the federal government to protect workers and defend jobs as an escalating trade war—fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump—threatens Canada’s economy. Read more…
MFL Launches Pilot Project to Help Workers Unionize The Manitoba Federation of Labour (MFL) has launched a new pilot project to help workers connect with unions that may represent them. Read more…
AFL-CIO Department of People Who Work for a Living The AFL-CIO’s newest Department, The Department of People Who Work for a Living is fighting to support dedicated and hard working federal workers who are serving the public each day. IFPTE encourages members to learn more about the new Department here.
International Women’s Day 2025: Standing Strong in Solidarity During Women’s History Month, on this International Women’s Day, we recognize the resilience, strength, and achievements of women across the globe. March 8th is a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political contributions of women, while also recommitting ourselves to the fight for gender justice, equity, and dignity for all. Read more…
IFPTE Federal Sector Update on Trump/Musk and DOGE Attacks on Federal Workers – Week Ending March 7Read IFPTE’s latest update on our fight against the illegal and unprecedented attacks by President Trump, the so-called DOGE, including Elon Musk and his associates, and larger Trump Administration, against federal workers and the agencies they work for.
IFPTE Says Trump Tariffs on Canada Will Do “great damage” to Canadian and American Working Families – Calls Trump’s 51st State declaration “highly insulting” IFPTE issue a strong and clear response to President Trump’s continued attacks on Canada, calling the President’s planning imposition of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods and services this week a, “reckless policy which will cause economic harm to workers and lead to steep inflation on everyday goods that citizens on both sides of the border depend on so heavily”. Read IFPTE’s full statement…
IFPTE Applauds the Introduction of the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act House Education and Labor Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act) this week in the House of Representatives, while Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced the Senate version. The legislation, which remains a high legislative priority for IFPTE and the entire labor movement, seeks to reform current private sector labor law to bring fairness for workers who are seeking to organize labor unions. IFPTE applauded the legislation’s, “strong legal protections that restore and reinforce working people’s right to freely form a union and bargain with their employers for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions.” Read IFPTE’s full statement…
Bell’s Job Cuts Continue to Erode Manitoba’s Telecommunications Workforce Bell Canada’s recent announcement of 1,200 job reductions across Canada is another devastating blow to workers, including to 100 employees in Manitoba who are set to see their jobs slashed – 70 of whom are represented by TEAM – IFPTE Local 161, the union representing technical and professional employees in Manitoba’s telecommunications sector. Read more…
Dominick D. Critelli, Jr. Scholarship Award is Open for Applications The Dominick D. Critelli, Jr. Scholarship Award application/information is available here. IFPTE will award four college scholarships of $2,500 each to children or grandchildren of IFPTE members. Read more…
Union Plus – Student Success Sweepstakes The Union Plus College Program is excited to launch the Student Success Sweepstakes for a chance to win fabulous prizes. Don’t miss your chance to win. Enter by March 10, 2025. ENTER NOW!
IFPTE Federal Sector Update on Trump/Musk and DOGE Attacks on Federal Workers – Week Ending Feb. 28Read IFPTE’s latest update [click.actionnetwork.org] on our fight against the illegal and unprecedented attacks by President Trump, the so-called DOGE, including Elon Musk and his associates, and larger Trump Administration, against federal workers and the agencies they work for. __________
Ford’s Victory: A Call to Action for Ontario’s Workers n a decisive outcome, Premier Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservative Party have secured a third consecutive majority in Ontario’s snap election. This victory arrives amidst significant challenges, notably the looming 25% tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump, which poses a severe threat to Ontario’s manufacturing sector and the livelihoods of countless workers. Read more… [click.actionnetwork.org] __________
AALJ/IFPTE Judicial Council 1 Calls DOJ’s Threats to Eliminate Judges’ Protections from Arbitrary Removal Unlawful On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Chief of Staff, Chad Mizelle, threatened the independence of administrative law judges (ALJs) to render decisions without fear of removal or retaliation. The AALJ/IFPTE Judicial Council 1, representing nearly 1,000 federal administrative law judges, says the DOJ’s position is an overreach and not supported by long-established precedent. Read more… [click.actionnetwork.org] __________
Ahead of Vote on Budget Resolution, IFPTE Tells House of Representatives to Oppose Cuts to Federal Employee Benefits, Medicaid, and SNAP to Fund Tax Cuts for the Wealthiest Before the House of Representatives voted to pass a Budget Resolution on Tuesday night on a party line vote, IFPTE sent lawmakers a letter outlining the union’s strong opposition to any cuts to federal employee health and retirement benefits, Medicaid, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Read more… [click.actionnetwork.org] __________
Unions in Federal Workers Alliance Tells Senate Appropriators to Defund Trump Administration’s Illegal and Unconstitutional Actions The Federal Workers Alliance sent a letter to Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins and Vice Chair Patty Murray requesting the lawmakers include in the next government funding bill language to stop the illegal and unconstitutional actions of the Trump Administration that seek to dismantle federal agencies, politicized the civil service, and instigate a constitutional crisis by ignoring Congress’ authority. Read more… [click.actionnetwork.org][click.actionnetwork.org]__________
Society of United Professionals Joins Toronto Labour Community for Lunar New Year Celebration Members of the Society of United Professionals/IFPTE Local 160 (the Society) joined the Toronto labour community last Friday to celebrate Lunar New Year at a banquet hosted by the Toronto & York Region Labour Council’s Chinese Workers Network. Read more… [click.actionnetwork.org][click.actionnetwork.org]__________
Shearon, Dugovich Join Washington State Rally in Support of Federal Workers, Against Elon Musk Brothers Paul Shearon (retired IFPTE President) and Bill Dugovich (retired SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001 Communications Director), joined thousands of protestors this week in Washington State at Elon Musk-owned SpaceX facilities and federal buildings in support of federal workers. Read more… [click.actionnetwork.org]__________
Dominick D. Critelli, Jr. Scholarship Award is Open for Applications The Dominick D. Critelli, Jr. Scholarship Award application/information is available here. IFPTE will award four college scholarships of $2,500 each to children or grandchildren of IFPTE members. Read more… [click.actionnetwork.org]
Union Plus – Student Success Sweepstakes The Union Plus College Program is excited to launch the Student Success Sweepstakes for a chance to win fabulous prizes. Don’t miss your chance to win. Enter by March 10, 2025. ENTER NOW! [click.actionnetwork.org]
IFPTE Federal Sector Update on Trump/Musk and DOGE Attacks on Federal Workers – Week Ending Feb. 21 IFPTE’s executive officers and staff, along with our Union partners at the Federal Workers Alliance (FWA), continue to work in coalition on all fronts – Legal, Legislative, Grassroots, PR – to fight against the illegal and unprecedented attacks by President Trump, the so-called DOGE, including Elon Musk and his associates, and larger Trump Administration, against federal workers and the agencies they work for. This update comes as IFPTE closes out its 2025 legislative conference, in which nearly 100 IFPTE Local leaders and members from across the United States and sectors, came together in Washington, DC this week to take our concerns to our elected lawmakers. Read IFPTE’s latest update… [click.actionnetwork.org]
IFPTE Responds to Unjust Firing of NAIJ/IFPTE Judicial Council 2 Members Last Friday, the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR) fired 20 immigration judges, including 13 immigration judges represented by the National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ/IFPTE Judicial Council 2). IFPTE President Biggs spoke to numerous news outlets, sharing why firing Immigration Judges “makes no sense.” Read more… [click.actionnetwork.org]
Bell Canada Announces Another Round of Job Cuts Bell Canada has once again announced significant job reductions that will impact TEAM/IFPTE Local 161 members, as part of a broader workforce downsizing affecting 1,200 unionized positions across the country. This week, Bell introduced an enhanced voluntary termination package (VRTIP) aimed at eliminating between 68 and 71 TEAM positions. In total, approximately 100 unionized jobs in Manitoba will be lost in this round of cuts, disproportionately affecting TEAM members. Read more… [click.actionnetwork.org]
Local 3 Represented Workers in Philadelphia Responding to Trump Attacks by Signing Union Cards in Droves Local 3 President Paul Dobias commented, “it is heartening to see so many Local 3 represented members supporting their Union during these trying times. It’s clear they understand it will be their Union, Local 3, IFPTE, and our larger movement, that will save our federal civil service from this deplorable attack we are currently experiencing. We will keep organizing and keep fighting.” Read more… [click.actionnetwork.org]
Senate Budget Bill Seeks to Pay for Tax Cuts for the Wealthy on the Backs of Working Families – IFPTE Weighs In IFPTE sent a letter to Senate lawmakers this week urging them to reject cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the SNAP program, and slashing federal agencies, as a part of their soon-to-be considered budget resolution. In doing so, IFPTE wrote that “extending tax cuts for the wealthy at the expense of working families…would stifle economic growth for years to come.” Read more… [click.actionnetwork.org]
Dominick D. Critelli, Jr. Scholarship Award is Open for Applications The Dominick D. Critelli, Jr. Scholarship Award application/information is available here. IFPTE will award four college scholarships of $2,500 each to children or grandchildren of IFPTE members. Read more… [click.actionnetwork.org]
Union Plus – Student Success Sweepstakes The Union Plus College Program is excited to launch the Student Success Sweepstakes for a chance to win fabulous prizes. Don’t miss your chance to win. Enter by March 10, 2025. ENTER NOW![click.actionnetwork.org]
SOLIDARITY ALERT – NO to Dismantling the U.S. Postal Service Read a critical message from our Siblings at the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), representing hundreds of thousands of dedicated letter carriers who deliver our mail six days a week.
IFPTE Local 400 