IAM Canada – Labour Leaders Respond to U.S. Tariffs: A call for immediate action and solidarity
In a press conference held today in Ottawa, Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), and Magali Picard, President of the Quebec Federation lf Labour (QFL), called on the federal government to act quickly to support Canadian workers, industries, and communities severely impacted by the ongoing U.S. tariffs.
Bruske, alongside several union leaders including the General Vice-President of the IAM Union David Chartrand, underscored the importance of collective solidarity. She noted that the decisions made today will have lasting impacts on Canada’s future, particularly with regard to its workers. “Elections matter,” Bruske stated, emphasizing that the policies and decisions being made now will shape the future of the nation for generations to come. “Union members must get involved in their unions, support local products, and support their communities because together we are stronger.”
Bruske also stressed the critical need to focus on endorsing political candidates who will stand up for workers and advocate for policies that protect Canadian jobs and industries. “We must ensure that the candidates we support are committed to saving workers,” she said, urging voters to back those who prioritize the well-being of the Canadian workforce.
The Canadian Labour Congress president also directly addressed the actions of the former U.S. administration under Donald Trump, saying that the tariffs are a deliberate attempt to hurt Canadian workers and destabilize the country’s economic fabric. “They may want to hurt us, but Canadians don’t break,” Bruske declared, showcasing the resilience and determination of Canadian workers in the face of external pressure.
Picard expanded on the theme of unity and collective action, stressing that the trade war has already begun and that Canadians must work together to face it. She pointed out that in Quebec alone, approximately 160,000 workers are at risk of losing their jobs across various industries due to the imposition of U.S. tariffs.
Additionally, Picard expressed concerns about the provincial government’s approach to economic policy, accusing it of attempting to divide the labour movement and opening the door for private companies, particularly American firms, to exploit Quebec’s natural resources. She further pointed out that the Legault government must resist these pressures to ensure the protection of workers and industries. Picard also drew attention to Bill 89, a proposed piece of legislation that would weaken protections for workers across the country.
In a show of solidarity, both Bruske and Picard affirmed that their organizations stand ready to work with the government in these unprecedented times. “The QFL is ready to work with you,” Picard said, urging the government to act decisively and protect the interests of workers and their communities.
The press conference emphasized the ongoing crisis facing Canadian workers and the need for immediate and unified action to safeguard jobs, industries, and the long-term economic health of the country. The labour leaders made a powerful call for all Canadians to support political candidates who will fight for the future of workers and communities, ensuring that the strength of the Canadian workforce remains a priority for the nation’s leaders.
IAM Canada – IAM Union: Workers Ready to Have Voice During Tariff Pause
Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers), and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, issued the following statement following President Trump’s announcement on pausing most tariffs for 90 days:
“As the largest aerospace and defense labor union in the United States and Canada, the IAM Union believes that we should take the next 90 days to help chart a path forward that will benefit workers. We must put an end to the constant anxiety of job losses due to tariff threats between allies. We continue to offer a space for all stakeholders – government, business and labor – to come together to forge a real, comprehensive strategy to protect and grow critical manufacturing here in the United States and Canada while punishing the bad actors across the globe. Workers deserve the right to drive policy conversations about their livelihoods. Working people should be at the table, not on the menu.”
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.