61st Convention is a Success!
IFPTE 61st Convention Chronicles
Sunday, July 7
IFPTE’s 61st Constitutional Convention was off to a good start as the theme “Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future” resonated throughout the Convention hall. The delegates flooded the registration area in high spirits to retrieve their convention badges in anticipation of the opening day of the convention. This was the first in-person convention in six years and members greeted one another with smiles, hugs, and handshakes, happy to be together again. Delegates and guests purchased IFPTE merchandise and raffle tickets, and swag from Local affiliates was exchanged among the delegates.
Second line performs at the opening reception.
Passersby’s from the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1338 located in Dallas Texas, witnessed the excitement among the delegates and stood in solidarity. Bryan Blanks, Local 1338 Secretary-Treasurer, purchased two IFPTE golf shirts stating, “I always support the union”.
Several other events were held on Sunday including the New Delegates Class where wall-to-wall members were in attendance. There was great participation and lots of Q&A from the new delegates who were eager to learn. The class was led by IFPTE Organizers Chris Langford and Bill Fitzpatrick and IFPTE General Counsel Teresa Ellis.
The afternoon concluded with a welcome reception sponsored by FHE Health. The event was done in true New Orleans fashion and Mardi Gras masks were distributed to the delegates. The food was authentic and the entertainment was explosive with Baby Doll dancers, Mardi Gras Indians, and a second-line marching band. Fun was had by all in attendance!
Monday, July 8
The Convention opened at 8:30am CST. The New Orleans Mass Choir opened the ceremony singing the US and Canadian national anthems as well as a rendition of “Oh Happy Day”.
Michelle Johnston, SUP/IFPTE Local 160 President & Canadian Area Vice President, provided an “Indigenous Welcome” and Atlantic Area Vice President Sean McBride gave the invocation.
Deputy Mayor Joseph W. Threat greeted the delegation and provided warm and welcoming remarks on behalf of New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell.
President Matthew Biggs welcomed delegates and guests and declared the convention open for business at 9:05am CST, followed by the reading of the “Code of Conduct” by Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson.
Credentials and Rules Committee Chair, Tracy Miller (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) provided a roll call of the Locals as well as the number of credentialed delegates. The Rules of the convention were adopted with a 98.2% approval.
Former IFPTE President Paul Shearon
An ‘In Memoriam’ presentation displayed the names of members who transitioned since the last convention. They will be missed and their memories will live on through the work that they have done.
President Biggs introduced the first speaker of the day, former IFPTE President Paul Shearon. Shearon gave a riveting speech about the union’s greatest asset—Unity. He stated, “Our union is a living entity fueled by the dedication and commitment of each of its members.” He spoke about the necessity of leaders being present and showing up. “You must make sure your mouth and your feet are moving in the same direction…Walk the Talk. As union leaders, we fight injustice with our very presence”. Shearon reminded us that our power relies on our ability to organize. “By organizing, mobilizing, and standing together in solidarity, we will accomplish far more than any legal battle ever could. Most importantly, we will bring unions to the unorganized.”
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler
The AFL-CIO’s “It’s Better in a Union” video was played highlighting the union wins, strikes, and organizing throughout the country. Next, President Biggs introduced AFL-CIO President Elizabeth “Liz” Shuler who addressed the convention via video.
AFT President Randi Weingarten
President Shuler talked about the importance of the upcoming presidential election and the existential fight for the future of labor. She provided facts about the candidates and how the former president spent four years weakening unions, while President Biden stood with workers on a picket line. “Our President believes that strong unions lead to a strong economy”, said Shuler. She commended President Biggs for standing with the workers at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The Plate Printers Union was without a contract for six years but recently ratified a great contract. President Shuler stated, “Secretary-Treasurer Henson is union to the core.” She praised IFPTE for organizing all over North America and partnering with AFT to create a pipeline to union jobs in STEM. She committed to be with SPEEA at the bargaining table just as they were with the Firefighters at Boeing, and in closing she reminded us that the power of all 60 unions in the AFL-CIO fighting together in solidarity is unstoppable!
Secretary-Treasurer Henson introduced Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). She addressed the delegation via video and provided this quote from Mother Jones regarding solidarity. “My friends, there’s a solidarity of labor we want, we do not want to find fault with each other, but to solidify our forces and say to each other: We must be together; our masters are joined together and we must do the same thing.”
The manufacturing sector is the strength of the partnership between AFT and IFPTE. “There is a focus on making sure AFT teachers are preparing students to become IFPTE members and have the skills to thrive in STEM careers”, said Weingarten.
She reminded us what is on the ballot for the election and President Biden is the most pro-labor President since FDR. Her remarks were concluded with “get out the vote and get out the facts” and “fight for unions, fight for democracy, fight for the future”.
Judge Som Ramrup, President of the Association of Administrative Law Judges/IFPTE Judicial Council 1 introduced President Matthew Biggs for the “Report of the President”.
President Biggs began by thanking the members and delegates in attendance in addition to the members throughout the country. He also announced that he’s a proud member of IFPTE Local 196.
Following the general session, a Mental Health Forum was held that centered around how to represent a member in a behavioral health crisis. The forum was led by Janet Gerhard, Director of Public Affairs for FHE Health (and a member of IFPTE Local 196), and Dr. Beau Nelson, Chief Clinical Officer for FHE Health and Sunlight Recovery. They discussed the consequences of union members who struggle with mental health, drug addiction, alcoholism, and behavioral health issues. The forum addressed how to represent a member who struggles with the aforementioned.
IFPTE President Matthew Biggs
John Mader, ESC/IFPTE Local 20 President and IFPTE Executive Vice President facilitated the workshop, Evaluating the Economics of a Collective Bargaining Agreement. The workshop identified the economic strengths and weaknesses of collective bargaining agreements to help inform bargaining priorities and, in turn, lead to better contracts. In this workshop, delegates learned how a Table Agreement Evaluation Report (TAER) can be used to quantitatively evaluate the main components of a Collective Bargaining Agreement, namely compensation and benefits. TAERs are a powerful tool to help members understand the full value of their CBA. This workshop provided participants with an understanding of the tool and how to apply it to their CBAs. Participants learned how this analytic tool allows for comparison between seemingly disparate economic packages, the status quo agreement, and bargaining proposals, and differences across similar contracts with different employers.
The evening concluded with hospitality sponsored by the SPEEA Area and the Federal Sector. There were door prizes and plenty of food and laughter. Convention guest speaker Clayola Brown (APRI) attended the reception and mingled with delegates.
Tuesday, July 9
Secretary-Treasurer Henson, Philadelphia AFL-CIO President, Danny Bauder, and President Biggs
The morning kicked off with the IFPTE PAC breakfast and the room was packed full of contributors who support the fund. Danny Bauder, President of the Philadelphia AFL-CIO talked about the successes that unions have seen in Pennsylvania. He further spoke about connecting union members to lawmakers through nonpartisan advocacy for working people. He stressed the importance of raising money for the PAC, so that IFPTE members voices would be heard.
The convention opened with the keynote speaker, APRI President Clayola Brown who was introduced by IFPTE International representative Karen Bellamy Lewis. Clayola has been the National President of the A. Philip Randolph Institute since 2004—the first female to serve in that role. In addition, she was appointed as Civil Rights Director, AFL-CIO in February 2021. Most recently she transitioned into a new role within the AFLCIO as Senior Adviser for Strategic Partnerships and Racial Justice. In this role she will advise the officers across all of the AFL-CIO’s primary bodies of work: organizing, politics and advocacy.
(l-r) Clayola Brown and Bea Bruske
Clayola provided an inspiring speech about solidarity and the future of the union. “Sisters and brothers we have to build on unions with the energy and passion of the next generation of workers. We have to bring them along and trust that they have something to offer.”
The next speaker was Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. She discussed legislation introduced in Canada involving dental care, pharmacies, and anti-scab. Canada now has federal anti-scab legislation. This is crucial for protecting workers and their right to strike. The use of scab labour not only undermines this right but also exacerbates labour disputes and intensifies hostility on picket lines. “I’ve heard countless stories from workers who have faced confrontations during strikes, jeopardizing their safety and livelihoods. This must never happen.”
Carolyn Wilson President Local 1937 introduced member Tim Hubbard who was fired unjustly, but ultimately prevailed. He introduced Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson via video for the “Report of the Secretary-Treasurer”. Henson thanked the delegation and members of IFPTE for their support over the years and for the opportunity to represent again.
Following the business session of the convention, two workshops were held. The “Communications/Organizing” workshop, was facilitated by Southeastern Area VP Katie Burrows (NPEU/IFPTE Local 70), IFPTE Organizing Director, Paul Thurston, and IFPTE Organizer, Liz Sparks. The workshop covered developing a committee, mapping the workplace, and creating an action network, as well as discussing planning an issues campaign to better enable Locals to represent their members. The workshop also focused on best practices for communications.
The “Energy Forum” workshop was led by IFPTE Assistant to the Executive Officers, Brian Killdee, SUP/IFPTE Local 160 External Relations Officer, Mike Belmore, and SUP/IFPTE Local 160 Research Officer, Nathan Jackson. The forum covered how IFPTE is working to leverage opportunities created by recent initiatives in new energy technologies and infrastructure across North America. These programs seek to encourage new job creation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide a reliable, affordable source of energy for the future electrified grid.
A Women’s Caucus was held for all Delegates who identified as women. Speakers were Dede Chance, IFPTE Local 12, and Co-chairs Tracy Miller, IFPTE Local 160, and Tryshanda Moton IFPTE Local 29. The focus was on the intersectional challenges experienced by diverse women working to educate and advocate while promoting solidarity.
The evening concluded with a hospitality event hosted by the Western Area.
(l-r) Anna Liu, Liz Sparks, Rebecca Caron, Denise Robinson, Dr. Joan Mah, Amy Chin-Lai, Dede Chance, Tryshanda Moton, and Tracy Miller.
Wednesday, July 10
The Women’s Solidarity Network (WSN) held a breakfast that was open to all delegates. WSN Co-chairs Tracy Miller and Tryshanda Moton facilitated a panel discussion with IFPTE women about leadership, engagement, and their vision of the future. The speakers, including Rebecca Caron, Director, Society OPG Local/IFPTE Local 160; Dede Chance, Chief Representative - IFPTE Local 12; Amy Chin-Lai, President, NPEU/IFPTE Local 70; Joan Mah, IFPTE Western Area VP and Vice President, ESC/IFPTE Local 20; and Denise Robinson, IFPTE Northeastern Area VP and President, IFPTE Local 400, addressed advocacy, work and family life, women in leadership, discrimination, women’s rights in the workplace, and mentorship.
Nomination of officers was held during the morning plenary.
IFPTE President Matt Biggs was nominated by IFPTE VP Michelle Johnston and seconded by IFPTE VP Sean McBride, Mark Sims - IFPTE Local 20, and Amy Chin-Lai - IFPTE Local 70. Biggs was unopposed and elected for another three-year term.
Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson was nominated by IFPTE VP John Mader and seconded by Vicki Power - IFPTE Local 160, IFPTE VP Michelle Johnston, Anthony Chorney - IFPTE Local 1937, and IFPTE VP Denise Robinson. Henson was also unopposed and elected for another three-year term.
NFFE President Randy Erwin
IFPTE Vice Presidents were nominated as a slate by retiring IFPTE Western Area VP Gus Vallejo and seconded by Mark Sims, IFPTE Local 20, and Som Ramrup, IFPTE Judicial Council 1. The slate was unopposed and elected for a three-term. The slate is Executive VP John Mader, Western Area; John Dimas, Ryan Rule, R. Matthew Joyce, SPEEA Area; Frances Hsieh, Joan Mah, Julian Ware, Western Area; Sean McBride and Steve Pinto, Atlantic Area; Katie Burrows, Southeast Area; Michelle Johnston and Richard Mahé, Canadian Area; Ben Emmel, Eastern Federal Area; Denise Robinson, Northeast Area; and Jamie Uyeunten, Western Federal Area.
The morning speaker was Randy Erwin President of NEFE. Randy spoke about the importance of good leadership and the upcoming election. “Your leadership is getting arrested and fighting for you every day. IFPTE is engaged and leading the fight in every way. There is no union in America that I would instantly come to the aid of than IFPTE.”
Assistant Secretary Jose Javier Rodriguez, Education Workforce Training and Administration, Department of Labor
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Education Workforce Training and Administration José Javier Rodríguez brought greetings from the Department of Labor (DOL) to convention delegates. Assistant Secretary Rodríguez commended IFPTE for its workforce and training initiative in Eastern Tennessee, part of the union's partnership with AFT and TVA to build a Bridge to STEM for high school graduates and others seeking careers in new energy jobs. He said that DOL “looks forward to continuing to work with IFPTE on this and other innovative efforts to create good union jobs in clean energy and related STEM industries.”
IFPTE Legislative Director Faraz Khan and NFFE Executive Director Steve Lenkart
The well-attended Legislative/Project 2025 Workshop was facilitated by IFPTE Legislative Director Faraz Khan, IFPTE Assistant to Executive Officers Brian Kildee, and National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) Executive Director Steve Lenkart. The workshop provided training for Local leaders wishing to advocate for policies and pending legislation impacting the day-to-day working lives of their members. IFPTE is working to educate its members, elected officials, and the public about the critical role that federal workers play in the day-to-day lives of the average American and the dedication, expertise, and professionalism that stands as the hallmark of the federal workforce. Some of Project 2025's initiatives are already proposed in legislation before the current Congress, while other elements will be proposed in future legislative and administrative proposals.
The Race Relations workshop was conducted by April Sims, President of the Washington State AFL-CIO, and Secretary-Treasurer Chericka Carter. They spoke about advancing equity and inclusion while growing the union, the importance of prioritizing equity, and building an inclusive labor movement and workplace where all workers feel they can participate regardless of their race, gender, orientation, sex, religion, or ability to strengthen the diversity of our unions and our job sites and build our collective power. “We as individuals have the ability to impact change with how we show up in the moment,” said President Sims.
Thursday, July 11
Washington State AFL-CIO President, April Sims (pink jacket), speaking with Delegates
Kevin Rebeck, President of the Manitoba Federation of Labour, was the first speaker of the morning. He highlighted the importance of political legislative programs in the union. He also spoke about anti-scab and card check legislation that is going to be introduced by the new labour-friendly government in Manitoba, and the erosion of IFPTE jobs in the Canadian telecommunications sector in IFPTE Local 161.
The second speaker of the day was April Sims, President of the Washington State AFL-CIO. She is the first woman and black female to hold this position. Sims shared how her mother’s opportunity to get a union job changed the trajectory of their lives from poverty to financial stability. “The labor movement changed my life. I know the difference our work makes in the lives of our members. I learned the ‘union difference’ at an early age. By sharing our stories we can share the things that radically changed our lives, and how it can be a pathway out of poverty.”
At 10am, per the Constitution, elections were held. Gus Vallejo swore in the unopposed slate of IFPTE officers and vice presidents for another 3-year term.
The final order of business was Resolution 17 honoring Brother Gus Vallejo for his dedicated years of service to IFPTE and Local 20. The convention concluded and all committees were thanked and dismissed by President Biggs.
There was one special award presented following the business session. The Len Cornwall Award is presented at each convention honoring an IFPTE member, whose achievements as a labor leader, best symbolize the same leadership abilities, demonstrated by Len, during his years of dedicated service to the labor movement. This year’s honoree was John Garrity, former President of IFPTE Local 3. John joined the convention via Zoom and thanked everyone for this prestigious award.
The location of the next Convention will be researched over the next several months and announced in 2025.