Mar 26, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is urging members of the U.S. Senate to pass a resolution (S.J. Res. 37) introduced by U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine that would terminate the unjustified Trump tariffs imposed on Canadian imports.
“The IAM firmly stands in support of fair-trade policy and the use of measures such as tariffs when used properly to help level the playing field for the workers we represent,” wrote Bryant in the letter to U.S. Senators. “The use of tariffs can be an effective enforcement measure to punish bad trade actors such as countries that do not respect the rights of workers. These new tariffs on Canada, one of our closest allies and largest trading partners, are unjust and will have lasting negative impacts on American and Canadian workers.”
The letter from IAM International President Brian Bryant to U.S. Senators continues:
“The IAM believes in fair trade and understands the necessity of tariffs when strategically deployed to protect workers and ensure equitable competition. However, the current tariffs on Canada—a vital ally and major trading partner—are not only misplaced but actively damaging to workers on both sides of the border.
“The justification for these tariffs, citing fentanyl concerns, is demonstrably false. U.S. Customs and Border Protection data reveals that less than 1% of fentanyl seizures originate from the U.S.-Canada border, while over 96% stem from the southern border with Mexico. This stark discrepancy exposes the fallacy of targeting Canada and underscores the urgent need to reverse this detrimental policy.
“The IAM represents workers in critical sectors such as aerospace, defense, and manufacturing, all of which rely heavily on seamless U.S.-Canada collaboration. These tariffs disrupt vital supply chains, destabilize economies, and threaten the livelihoods of tens of thousands of workers, including over 100,000 aerospace workers across both nations.
“Based on a flawed premise, these tariffs inflict unnecessary harm on working families in both the United States and Canada.”
Read the complete letter here.
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 25, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
After a suit filed by the IAM Union, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) and other allies, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting the Department of Education (ED), the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and the Treasury Department from disclosing the sensitive personal information to employees affiliated with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
“Today’s ruling continues to solidify that our members, our nation’s veterans and every American has a sacred right to privacy,” said International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) International President Brian Bryant. “The IAM Union will always stand with our allies to protect and defend our members’ rights.”
The Court ruled that the claims from the plaintiffs — including military veterans and unions representing millions of veterans, teachers, scientists, engineers, federal employees — would likely be successful. The plaintiffs argue that ED, OPM, and Treasury violated the Privacy Act by granting DOGE affiliates unauthorized access to systems containing sensitive personal information including Social Security numbers, bank account information, health records, and other private data.
“Once again, the courts have ruled that Elon Musk and DOGE should not have access to highly sensitive data belonging to American individuals and federal employees,” said National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) National President Randy Erwin. “Everyone in this country has the right to privacy. NFFE and our allies are committed to protecting that right, especially when our members are at risk of having their information compromised by those who wish to do them harm.”
In the 68-page ruling, Judge Deborah L. Boardman wrote that “[t]he administrative records [provided by the government] indicate that Education, OPM, and Treasury disclosed records with the plaintiffs’ PII to DOGE affiliates. They also indicate that the DOGE affiliates do not need to know this information to perform their job duties.”
The Court found that the plaintiffs would suffer irreparable harm without injunctive relief, noting that, “the plaintiffs have shown that DOGE affiliates have been granted access to systems of records that contain some of the plaintiffs’ most sensitive data – such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, home addresses, bank information, income and assets, and citizenship status.” The Court further found that “without an injunction, the DOGE affiliates’ access to this trove of personal information will continue,” and that the damage incurred by these ongoing disclosures cannot be rectified by damages.
The preliminary injunction prohibits:
- The Department of Education from disclosing Plaintiffs’ personally identifiable information to any DOGE affiliates.
- The Office of Personnel Management from disclosing Plaintiffs’ personally identifiable information to any OPM employee working principally on the DOGE agenda (with the exception of OPM Acting Director Charles Ezell, OPM Chief Information Officer Greg Hogan, and OPM Chief of Staff Amanda Scales).
- The Treasury Department from disclosing Plaintiffs’ personally identifiable information to DOGE affiliates.
The Department of Justice has filed a notice of its intent to appeal Judge Boardman’s decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
The complete ruling is available here, and the opinion can be found here.
Read more about this case.
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Mar 24, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) and the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) held an event on Monday, March 24 to celebrate and honor federal employees’ hard work and dedication. The event took place outside L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station during peak commute hours. Supporters gathered to show appreciation for federal workers who provide essential services across the nation. Many federal agencies are in close proximity to the L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station.
View photos from the event and watch a video recap
Union members engaged with commuting federal workers and held signs thanking them for their service. Federal workers were also greeted by IAM Union International President Brian Bryant, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, IAM Union Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett, and NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin.
“Federal employees dedicate their lives to serving the American people, often under challenging circumstances,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “It’s crucial that we take time to recognize their hard work and commitment, not just on special occasions, but every day. They are going through a difficult time. We are proud to support them with a simple thank you.”
The event continues to underscore the importance of supporting federal employees when they are under attack from the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
“Federal workers are the unsung heroes who keep our government functioning,” said Randy Erwin, National President of the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM). “They deserve our respect, our support, and fair treatment. This event is a small way to show our appreciation for their dedication and service.”
“We are here with the IAM and NFFE-IAM standing up for federal workers,” said National AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “Federal workers need dignity and respect, not to be dishonored and demoralized by all these cuts that Elon Musk and others are making across our government. Because federal workers deliver essential services. They make sure that our country is protected, and the work they do should be honored.”
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 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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