Internal NFFE News
March 4, 2026
The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) is celebrating a significant organizing victory, as 174 non-professional employees at the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada and eastern California have successfully voted to join NFFE.
The organizing effort was largely driven by the employees themselves, with the help of their already unionized coworkers Robin Wignall, a Wildland Hydrologist, and Giovanni Lopez, a Wildland Firefighter – both NFFE-IAM members.
The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is the largest national forest in the contiguous United States, and the NFFE-USFS bargaining agreement provides a considerable improvement from previous working conditions. The rapidly growing desire for employment security through union representation comes as President Trump has unlawfully tried to eliminate federal workers’ jobs and his administration has torn up collective bargaining agreements for federal workers.
The organizing campaign, which began in the summer of 2025, faced several challenges, including delays due to government shutdowns. However, the determination of the employees led to a nearly unanimous vote in favor of the union.
“We have seen a lot of enthusiasm across the Forest Service and it is incredibly rewarding to see folks vote overwhelmingly to join NFFE,” said NFFE National Organizing Director Andy Vanderhueul. “This campaign was successful because of the grassroots efforts of current members and new leaders who understand the importance of unionizing and making positive changes for themselves and their coworkers. I look forward to getting all of our new brothers and sisters on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest involved with their local and seeing the things we can accomplish together.”
“NFFE has seen tremendous organizing success throughout the country in recent years, especially in the land management sector,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “With the recent ratification of a new contract for Forest Service employees, NFFE-IAM members have seen how they can make a true difference in the workplace.
“And now, it is no secret that the Trump Administration is not slowing down their attacks on federal employees. Workers across the U.S. Forest Service understand the necessity of organizing with their coworkers form a union, as well as the benefits and protections that union membership provides. Thank you to our national organizers and local leaders who helped make this campaign successful. To all of the employees on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest – welcome to the NFFE family!”