This episode features Colin Smalley and Chris Doles from IFPTE, a large international union representing various federal and private sector workers. They discuss their upcoming union election and the campaign to shift the union towards a more assertive, member-focused approach. They highlight the challenges of representing a diverse range of federal employees across numerous agencies and the lack of unity and coordination among federal sector unions.
The discussion draws parallels between their situation and the NALC, emphasizing the shared frustrations with unresponsive leadership and the limitations imposed by working within the federal system (lack of right to strike, congressional control over pay). Smalley and Doles explain that their union’s focus is on improving working conditions, given the limited scope of their collective bargaining rights. They contrast their approach to union representation with the incumbent leadership, who they feel are too focused on maintaining relationships with political figures rather than fighting for members’ interests.
The conversation touches on the importance of rank-and-file education and mobilization, citing the successful strategies of unions like the Chicago Teachers Union. They discuss their plan to conduct a survey to better understand the needs of their members and provide more effective representation, highlighting the need for increased transparency, democracy, and direct action within the union. They emphasize their collaborative leadership approach and their hope for a renewed federal labor movement focused on unity and fighting for better working conditions and societal improvements. The episode concludes with plans to maintain contact and collaboration between the IFPTE and the NALC to advance these goals.