Toronto/ Washington Feb.20, 2026 – The IAM Union is responding to the Supreme Court’s recent decision striking down President Trump’s sweeping tariffs, emphasizing the impact on workers on both sides of the border.
David Chartrand, Canadian General Vice-President of the IAM Union, stated: “Workers are not responsible for these arbitrary tariff decisions, yet they are the ones paying the price. The Supreme Court ruling underscores the importance of predictable and fair trade policies, which are essential to protecting jobs and ensuring stability in industries such as aerospace and manufacturing. Canadian workers and businesses need certainty to plan for the future, and measures like these tariffs disrupt that stability.”
Brian Bryant, International President of the IAM Union, added: “Arbitrary, snap tariff decisions—especially those targeting close allies like Canada—create uncertainty that endangers jobs in highly interdependent industries such as aerospace and manufacturing, raises prices for consumers, and makes it harder for businesses and workers to plan for the future. That instability also complicates collective bargaining, where predictability is essential to securing strong contracts and long-term job security.
The Supreme Court decision reinforces the U.S. Constitution’s clear assignment of authority to Congress to impose tariffs on foreign imports. Trade policy must be grounded in that framework and carried out with care.
Trade policy should strengthen manufacturing and workers—not create unnecessary economic chaos.”
The IAM Union represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across North America, advocating for trade policies that strengthen workers rather than create economic uncertainty.