IAM Union: While Tariffs Pause, U.S. and Canadian Workers Should Have Seat at Table

Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, issued the following statement following a pause of proposed U.S.-Canadian tariffs.

“As the largest aerospace and defense labor union in the United States and Canada, the IAM Union is relieved that destructive tariffs between our two allied countries are being paused. A new path forward—one that doesn’t put U.S. and Canadian workers in a needless cycle of worrying about job loss due to tariff threats between allies—is possible. This moment offers the perfect opportunity for workers and unions from both countries to be a part of the solution moving forward.

“For decades, we have seen millions of good-paying, high-skilled U.S. and Canadian jobs outsourced to countries with little to no labor rights. Thanks to bad trade deals, tens of thousands of good IAM Union aerospace and defense jobs have become low-wage jobs in Mexico, while China has used forced technology offsets to create its own aerospace industry. This race-to-the-bottom model is being replicated by other bad actors across the globe – and it’s hurting all workers, as well as our shared national security.

“We have a chance right now to pull all stakeholders – government, business and labor – together to forge a real, comprehensive strategy to protect and grow critical manufacturing here in the United States and Canada. Workers on the both sides of the border deserve to drive policy conversations about their livelihoods, not be pawns in a larger political discussion.”

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.

IAM Canada – Hands off Canadians!

Canadians will suffer an economic terrorism…

President Trump’s 25% tariff on all Canadian goods exported to the United States is not just an economic setback, it is an all-out assault on Canadian workers, industries, and families. This protectionist measure threatens jobs, disrupts economies, and undermines the quality of life for both Canadians and Americans. It’s a policy that cannot be ignored, and it’s more critical than ever that we stand united to push back against these unjust measures. But it is more important than ever now that we come together and stand united to counter the devastating policies of a schoolyard bully.

Trump’s tariffs harm every sector of our economy, and the fallout will be felt on both sides of the border. These tariffs benefit Trump and his billionaire allies, but they will leave ordinary workers and consumers in both countries paying the price, it’s economic terrorism.” stated David Chartrand, General Vice-President of the IAM Union in Canada.

Canada is a vital supplier to the U.S. market, accounting for:

  • 35% of the lumber consumed in the U.S.
  • 50% of aluminum
  • 60% of crude oil
  • 15% of food products
  • Over half (57.38%) of the commercial and military aviation industry exports

This level of economic interdependence means that any tariff or trade barrier will have serious consequences for industries across both nations. The impact will not only be felt in Canada, it will also affect workers and consumers in the U.S. as well.

This trade relationship represents more than just economic ties; it is a bond between two countries built on cooperation, shared interests, and mutual support. Tariffs, however, create artificial barriers that divide workers, communities, and industries. This runs contrary to the spirit of unity that has defined U.S.-Canada relations for over a century. In many ways, tariffs represent a form of economic terrorism, one that increases inequality and deepens divisions.

It is time for Canada to take action and defend itself from these bullying tactics. “We must work together to strengthen our economy through bold policies; policies that protect Canadian workers, promote local procurement, and ensure that we don’t fall victim to protectionism. Our focus should be on building a more resilient, self-sufficient economy that prioritizes the well-being of our citizens”, added Chartrand.

The path forward is clear: we must unite across political, economic, and labour lines to confront this challenge head-on. The time has come to put aside our differences and form an alliance to protect our economy, our jobs, and our way of life against a bully like Donald Trump, who seeks to divide and conquer.

The only way forward is unity.

Together, we are stronger. And together, we can defend Canada’s future.

The IAM Union has represented more than 50,000 workers in Canada and 600,000 workers across North America since 1890. The IAM proudly stands as a leading union, advocating for workers’ rights, fair wages, and better working conditions across a wide range of industries. With a history of over 130 years, the IAM continues to fight for the dignity and well-being of workers, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.

CLC – Statement from the Canadian Labour Congress: Standing united against U.S. tariff threats

Canada’s unions are deeply alarmed by the U.S. administration’s threat to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian products. This is a direct attack on workers from both sides of the border, threatening good, unionized jobs in key sectors like manufacturing, mining, energy, and agriculture—jobs that form the backbone of our economy.

These tariffs would create a devastating ripple effect, impacting families and entire communities. The stakes are immense: escalating costs of living, stagnant wages, and now the Trump tariff threats, putting workers’ livelihoods at risk.

This is not just a trade issue; it is an economic and social emergency that requires an all-hands-on-deck approach when it comes to standing up for working people across Canada. It’s time for Canada’s political leadership to recognize the urgency and address this before it becomes a full-blown crisis.

The federal government must treat this threat with the urgency it demands. Workers need leadership that prioritizes their well-being, protects their jobs, and defends our industries. Capitulating to these tariff threats would be a betrayal of the millions of Canadians whose livelihoods are on the line.

Canada’s unions call on the government to reject these attacks outright, act decisively to safeguard jobs, and commit to developing a long-term industrial strategy that protects Canadian workers from the whims of any foreign administration.

Workers and unions across the country are united and ready to fight back.

Solidarity is our power, and we will not allow Canadian workers to become collateral damage in reckless trade disputes.

The Canadian Labour Congress urges the government to deliver a clear message: Canadian workers and industries will not be undermined. We will stand strong, act decisively, and unwaveringly defend our workers.

IAM Canada – IAM’s Kevin Timms Talks Unions with EAMS Students

Students at École Airdrie Middle School in Airdrie, Alberta, recently had the opportunity to learn about the importance of unions from IAM Union International Representative Kevin Timms. During his lunchtime visit, Timms explained the essential role unions play in protecting the rights of workers, improving working conditions, and advocating for fair treatment in the workplace.

Timms took the time to share insights about the IAM, discussing how the union operates and how international representatives support workers both locally and globally. He also explained how someone becomes a unionist, what his favorite parts of his career are, and the challenges he has encountered along the way.

The session was not only informative but also inspiring, as Timms offered students a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to be a part of a union and the value of fighting for fair working conditions. His visit gave the students a deeper understanding of the labour movement and the vital work unions do to support workers’ rights.

Overall, it was a highly educational and engaging session that left students with a greater appreciation for unions and their role in the workplace.

IAM Canada – Victory for IAM Members: Major Arbitration Secures Compensation

We are thrilled to announce a significant victory for our IAM members. This ruling ensures that workers affected by Air Canada’s misuse of ODS provisions will receive the compensation they rightfully deserve. It reinforces the importance of seniority rights and fair treatment under our Collective Bargaining Agreement and marks the second major award stemming from the ODS grievances filed during the pandemic.

In May 2021, the Union successfully challenged the company’s improper application of ODS, which had unfairly reduced the workforce in January 2021. Although the company sought to overturn this ruling, their appeal was dismissed in September 2022. Since then, we have been diligently working to secure proper compensation.

Through persistent negotiations, the company agreed to make certain employee groups whole. However, we continued to advocate for workers who had the potential to displace junior colleagues in other locations but were denied that opportunity due to the company’s improper actions.

The Arbitrator has now ruled in favor of our position, determining that a substantial number of these affected employees would have exercised their bumping rights had the layoff process been conducted properly. As a result, Air Canada is now obligated to compensate these workers accordingly. The company has been ordered to compile the necessary details of the affected members and process the payments no later than March 17, 2025.

Although the Union challenged for 100% of the eligible employees to be paid and we are disappointed that we were not able to achieve this by way of the arbitrator’s award, we believe the ruling is fair. We are happy that many members who were withheld their layoff and bumping rights during the pandemic will be paid, and the employer held accountable for their violations of the CBA.

“This decision is a monumental win for IAM members and reaffirms that companies must respect our contracts and seniority rights,” said Dave Flowers, President and Directing General Chairperson of IAM District 140. “It’s another example of why being part of a strong union truly matters.”

We will provide updates as they become available and will continue to push for the smooth implementation of the Arbitrator’s decision. The full arbitration ruling is accessible on the IAM District 140 website.

This has truly been a collective effort, and your dedication to standing together has made all the difference. United, we’ve made a tangible difference. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your General Chairpersons or Shop Committee Representatives.

Solidarity triumphs once again!

This victory not only benefits our IAM members but also sets a powerful precedent for workers’ rights across the industry. It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we stand together and advocate for fair treatment. Your strength and unity have been key in reaching this successful outcome.