Congressional Research Employees Association

 
Overview

The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) held its 56th Triennial Convention in Las Vegas from August 8 through August 13, 2009. CREA President, Dennis Roth, represented CREA in the Locals’ Caucus. In addition, Dennis was asked by IFPTE President, Gregory Junemann, to serve as the Convention’s Parliamentarian and  to sit on the Credentials and Rules Committee.

Convention Resolutions Passed

The Caucus participants discussed workplace issues experienced by their locals over the last year. The Caucus also elected two vice-presidents to serve on the IFPTE Executive Council for the next three years. Convention delegates passed three resolutions that affect CREA directly: a graduated three-year increase in the per capita dues that locals pay to the International (an increase of $0.15 in 2010, $0.20 in 2011, and $0.15 in 2012); the creation of a committee to investigate possible changes in the name of the IFPTE; and an agreement to establish a library for training materials. The delegates passed several other resolutions supporting various pieces of legislation moving through Congress, to which CREA abstained to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.

Convention Speakers

Rousing speeches were given by President Greg Junemann, Secretary Treasurer Paul Shearon, Ken Georgetti (President of the Canadian Labour Congress), and Bill Lucy (Secretary of AFSCME). Also addressing the Convention were Ellie Larson (Executive Director of the American Center for International Labor Solidarity) and Dr. Elaine Bernard (Executive Director of the Harvard Trade Union Program).

Julia Clark Moves to FLRA

Congratulations to Julia Clark, who until recently had been General Counsel of IFPTE and left to become General Counsel of the Federal Labor Relations Authority. The Senate confirmed her selection on August 7, 2009. Julia received recognition for her 21 years of service to IFPTE and its locals, including her instrumental work in helping GAO form its union.