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.

On this year’s International Women’s Day, the IAM Union, alongside other unions, attended an inspiring Women’s Day Brunch that celebrated the power of women in the labour movement. The event brought together incredible women who shared their stories, insights, and experiences.

Among the powerful voices was Bea Bruske from the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), Debra De Angelis from UFCW, Dr. Crystal Garvey from OPSEU, and Joy Brown, a retired member of the Peel Regional Police Service.

The event featured performances by students from Meadowvale Secondary School, as well as a lively set by the Tri-Service Band. With raffles and a live auction, attendees had the chance to come together in support of women’s initiatives. It was a celebration of progress, unity, and the strength of women in the labor movement, highlighting their ongoing impact in creating a more inclusive future.

As tensions between the U.S. and Canada escalate due to the current administration’s policies, it is important to remember that many Americans do not support their government’s actions toward Canadian neighbours. Many Canadians may be unaware of the significant support they have from their American counterparts. At the recent Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) conference in New Orleans, the IAM Union reinforced the idea that unity and solidarity go beyond political divides.

During the event, the International President of the IAM Union, Brian Bryant, delivered a speech in support of Canadian workers. He emphasized that despite the political challenges, we are all united in the fight for workers’ rights. The conference highlighted that our collective strength surpasses any national boundary. Whether in Canada or the U.S., the true power of our union lies in the unity of its members.

At the conference, the Canadian General Vice-President of the IAM Union David Chartrand, was met with a standing ovation by the delegates, in support of Canada, symbolizing the strong bond between the two nations in the pursuit of fairness and equality. The International President also took the opportunity to express his support for Canada, particularly in opposition to tariffs that harm not only Canadian workers but the collective strength of workers everywhere.

Supporting these movements is crucial, but we must also remember that the struggles of our brothers and sisters across the border are our struggles too. These challenges don’t stop at the border. They affect all of us.

United as one, we can ensure that the strength of our workforce remains unshaken. The mission of the IAM Union transcends national boundaries, political divides, and party lines.

Now more than ever, solidarity is key.