To cut it short, the brief timeline includes these key facts: On February 1, Trump imposes a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, sparking chaos across industries. Then, just two days later, on February 3, he decides to pause the tariffs for 30 days. What’s this game? Let’s dive deeper.

Just three days after threatening to start a trade war, U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to pause tariffs on Canadian imports for at least 30 days, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced earlier on his X account. While this temporary delay may offer a brief delay, it begs the question: “How long will workers on both sides of the border continue to suffer as pawns in these political games” asks David Chartrand, IAM Union Canada, General Vice-President.

The reality is, for many families, the consequences of trade disruptions are not just theoretical. They are deeply personal. Workers in both the U.S. and Canada, many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet, face uncertainty and anxiety every time tariffs are threatened or imposed. These decisions, made by politicians in negotiations over issues like fentanyl smuggling and border security, can lead to job losses, higher costs of goods, and economic instability. And it’s these workers, the backbone of industries across both nations, who pay the price.

While the 30-day pause might seem like a win, it is ultimately a temporary solution that does little to address the ongoing strain that families face. These workers have become pawns in a larger political game, caught between leaders making deals with little regard for the human cost. They didn’t ask for this instability. They didn’t sign up to have their livelihoods threatened as part of negotiations.

How long can workers and their families endure this uncertainty? Every time Trump threatens tariffs, it is the people who rely on cross-border trade for their jobs that are left in uncertainty. This temporary pause may offer a break for now, but what workers really need is long-term stability and assurance that they won’t continue to be treated as leverage in a game that doesn’t consider their daily struggles.

As this political and economical game plays out, it is essential that we ask: When will we stop using workers as bargaining chips? They deserve more than a quick fix. They deserve security and a future that isn’t at the mercy of trade tensions.

It’s time we demand more stability for those who depend on the trade that fuels their livelihoods.

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.

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.