Mar 24, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union, issued the following statement after testifying at the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) hearing on Section 301 proposed remedies to China’s aggressive targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors:
“The IAM applauds USTR’s proposed remedies in response to China’s unfair and discriminatory practices. For decades, the People’s Republic of China has pursued dominance in the maritime sector, devastating U.S. shipbuilding capacity and weakening our defense industrial base. This must stop.
“As a former shipbuilder at Bath Iron Works in Maine, I must highlight the impact of China’s predatory policies on U.S. workers. Our members have dedicated their lives to mastering the highly specialized skills required to build and repair commercial and naval vessels, only to see their jobs disappear as U.S. shipyards shutter or struggle to compete.
“The IAM Union supports the USTR’s proposed multi-pronged approach, including meaningful relief measures and incentives for purchasing U.S.-built commercial ships. We recommend swift implementation, and that port service fees be directed into a trust fund to invest in shipbuilding infrastructure and workforce development. We also call for additional policy changes and investment to revitalize the shipbuilding industry.
“IAM Union members stand ready to build and maintain our 21st-century naval and commercial fleet. Without decisive action, the decline of U.S. shipbuilding will continue, jeopardizing economic stability and national security. We urge the USTR to move forward with strong, impactful relief measures to reinvigorate this critical industry.”
Click here to read IAM Union International President Brian Bryant’s full testimony.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion
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Mar 13, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
Recently the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) endorsed the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act, which would reinstate the tens of thousands of federal workers who were unlawfully terminated by President Trump and Elon Musk’s DOGE. The bill is sponsored by Representative LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) and had 66 cosponsors as of yesterday’s introduction.
“In so many ways, federal employees are the backbone of this country,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin at a press conference alongside Reps. McIver and Tlaib. “It is an absolute travesty that the Trump Administration and so many in this Congress don’t understand that. Congress must take immediate action to stop the illegal firings of federal employees.”
The MERIT Act would reinstate federal employees, including probationary workers recently promoted or hired, who were fired from federal agencies and departments as part of DOGE’s ongoing mass firings. The bill would provide back pay, treat the employees as “involuntarily separated without cause,” and require the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit a report to Congress on the number of workers fired and other information about the terminations.
“Everyday, Elon Musk and his DOGE cronies do more irreparable harm to our country,” continued Erwin. “Worst of all, Musk says that we have to make all of these cuts or we are going to go bankrupt – if that were true, they would not be pushing through a 4.5 trillion dollar tax cut that exclusively benefits the most wealthy people in this country. Thank you to Representative McIver for introducing this critical legislation and for supporting federal workers.”
Click here to view the photo album.
Author: Matt Dorsey NFFE/IAM Photography: Ross Olson IAM
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Mar 11, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, issued the following statement rebuking President Trump’s erratic tariff policies, which are creating anxiety for millions of workers across Canada and the United States:
“The Trump administration’s erratic approach to tariffs is wreaking havoc on workers and businesses in the United States and Canada. This reckless trade policy creates unnecessary economic uncertainty, threatens good-paying jobs, and disrupts industries that rely on a stable and cooperative North American supply chain.
“The IAM Union calls for an immediate and permanent end to these damaging tariffs. Canada is not an adversary—it is one of our closest allies and largest trading partners. Instead of using tariffs as a political weapon, the Trump administration should focus on policies reinforcing economic ties between our nations and protecting workers’ livelihoods in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing.
“IAM members demand a trade strategy that puts workers first, fosters long-term economic growth, and strengthens our manufacturing base on both sides of the border.
“Now is the time for real leadership. Real lives are at stake. We urge President Trump and his trade advisors to sit down with all the stakeholders—government, business, and labor—to work together on a comprehensive plan that ensures stability, growth, and job security for workers across North America.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.
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Mar 6, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, issued the following statement calling for an end to all Canadian tariffs:
“The IAM Union strongly urges President Trump to end all tariff actions against Canada, one of our closest allies, without delay. Instead of escalating tensions, the President should embrace trade policies that strengthen the economic bond between the U.S. and Canada. This is a critical moment in history that can bring together workers and unions from both nations to craft solutions for the future. “The IAM Union represents 600,000 workers, including tens of thousands in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing—industries that depend on strong U.S.-Canada cooperation. These tariffs destabilize those sectors, putting livelihoods and our nations’ economies at risk.
“Now is the time for all stakeholders – government, business, and labor – to unite in developing a comprehensive strategy that strengthens and grows critical manufacturing in both the U.S. and Canada. Workers on both sides of the border deserve a seat at the table in shaping policies that affect their jobs, our shared economic prosperity, and national security.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.
goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion
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Feb 27, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
MEDIA ADVISORY
March 3: IAM Union, NFFE-IAM, Labor Allies to Celebrate Federal Workers Outside McPherson Square Metro Station
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2025—The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers), along with the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), will host an event to celebrate the contributions of federal workers on Monday, March 3, 2025, during peak commute morning hours outside the McPherson Square Metro Station. The U.S. Veterans Affairs Department is housed directly above the station’s Vermont Avenue exit.
Federal workers are the backbone of our nation, providing essential services that keep our country running. They are healthcare professionals caring for our military veterans, wildland firefighters protecting our lives and property, and park rangers watching after our national treasurers. The IAM Union, America’s largest defense labor union, has the highest percentage of military veteran members in the labor movement.
Event Details:
What: IAM Union and NFFE-IAM to host a visibility event to thank federal workers
When: Monday, March 3, 2025 from 7 to 9 a.m.
Where: Outside the McPherson Square Metro Station (Vermont Avenue exit; Vermont & I “Eye” Streets NW)
Who: IAM Union, NFFE-IAM, labor allies, and community supporters
RSVP: Reporters interested in attending can RSVP by emailing Bethany Shelton (bshelton@iamaw.org).
Volunteers will distribute informational materials, engage with commuters, and hold signs thanking federal workers. Members of Congress, elected officials, and local community leaders are invited to attend this event.
“The IAM Union is honored to represent dedicated federal employees and service contract workers who deserve our appreciation and support each and every day,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “This event will be one of many that will recognize federal workers for their contributions while we stand up for their rights in the workplace.”
The IAM Union invites members of the media to attend and cover this event. Visuals and interview opportunities will be available.
“We know that Federal Workers are committed to serving the American people and we value their work, as do hundreds of millions of other Americans,” said Randy Erwin, National President of the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM). “We intend to show each and every one of those workers that we support them and will fight for them because it is the right thing to do.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion
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Feb 25, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
The Kentucky State Council recently held a productive lobby day at the State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., where members of IAM District 1888, including Locals 1294 and 1720, gathered to advocate for policies that benefit working families across the state. During the event, IAM members met with Kentucky state representatives and senators to discuss and advance key legislative issues.
Top priorities included advocating for bills addressing heat stroke prevention and promoting the use of American-made materials in publicly funded projects. IAM members also had the opportunity to meet with Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman to discuss ongoing advocacy efforts and critical issues facing workers today.
“By participating in these advocacy efforts, members gain a clearer understanding of the legislative process and the grassroots efforts that shape workers’ rights,” said IAM District 1888 Business Representative Ryan McCarthy. “It’s important to engage at every level, from national policies to local city councils, to foster real, lasting change.”
A notable achievement from the event was securing a co-sponsor for two crucial bills. One focuses on establishing stronger work standards for teenagers, while the other aims to strengthen child labor laws, ensuring safer and more equitable working conditions for Kentucky’s youth.
“The IAM is proud of our members who understand the importance of participating in the political process,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “The laws and policies created today will directly impact the future of our jobs, families, and communities.”
The lobby day was organized in collaboration with the Kentucky AFL-CIO to amplify the voices of working people and strengthen worker advocacy across the state.
See photos here.
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