The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) participated in a recent briefing with labor experts and members of Congress to discuss worker-centered reforms for the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The event aimed to inform Congressional staff about ongoing labor concerns under USMCA, highlighting issues such as wage disparities, weak enforcement mechanisms, and foreign exploitation that could threaten U.S. jobs.
Key priorities raised included strengthening Rules of Origin to limit offshoring, closing loopholes that enable Chinese transshipment and final assembly through Mexico, expanding labor enforcement tools like the Rapid Response Mechanism, addressing wage gaps that encourage job relocation, and safeguarding strategic manufacturing sectors including aerospace, automotive, steel, and aluminum.
Peter Greenberg, IAM Union International Affairs Director, emphasized the risks facing the aerospace sector due to its interconnected supply chain between the United States and Canada. “One of our great fears has been an interruption of the aerospace supply chain, particularly because it is very closely tied between the U.S. and Canada,” said Greenberg.
Greenberg also expressed concern about China exploiting current trade rules. “China is using Mexico as a transshipment location,” he stated. “It allows goods to be repackaged and essentially enter the United States tariff-free.” He warned that Mexico could serve as a final assembly point for Chinese aerospace products—a situation that may affect jobs linked to major manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus—citing China’s efforts in commercial aviation with projects like COMAC C919.
Other speakers at the briefing included Representative Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.), AFL-CIO Legislative Representative Riley Ohlson, United Steelworkers Legislative Director Roy Houseman, and United Auto Workers Legislative Representative Christopher Zatratz.
