IAM Canada – IAM Union: Workers Ready to Have Voice During Tariff Pause

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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.

IAM Canada – Roya Rismankar Appointed IAM Canadian Research Analyst

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IAM International President Brian Bryant has appointed Roya Rismankar as a Research Analyst in the Canadian Territory, effective March 10, 2025.

Rismankar will play a crucial role in providing members with accurate and timely information to support their success.

“With her experience and dedication, we are confident that Roya will make meaningful contributions to our research efforts and help set strategies to advance our goals,” said IAM Canadian General Vice President David Chartrand.

Rismankar graduated in 2021 and has gained four years of research experience, specializing in public policy. She has worked with the Government of Canada on an ongoing qualitative research project for the Privy Council Office, advising the Prime Minister on key issues such as housing, government benefits, and cost of living.

“As a Research Analyst, it is a foundational component of my role to provide our fellow members with timely and accurate information to set them up for success,” said Rismankar. “The collective IAM Union will continue to set the standards for workers’ rights at all stages, from employment wages and benefits to retirement and pensions. I am elated to start my journey with the IAM and contribute toward a meaningful cause to amplify workers’ voices all across Canada.”

In addition to her professional work, Rismankar is actively involved in several humanitarian organizations, volunteering her time to support various causes.

IAM Canada – IAM Union: U.S., Canadian Workers Still Waiting to Have Voice in Tariff, Trade Policy

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Brian Bryant, International President of the IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers), representing 600,000 workers, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, issued a statement on President Trump’s tariffs announcement:  

“We must confront the legacy of trade policies and tariff rollouts that treat workers as pawns. Today’s tariffs announcement will erode relationships and diminish human dignity and respect for workers across North America. 

“Imposing tariffs on Canada would be like cutting off our nose to spite our face. 

“The IAM Union will continue to speak out against this short-sighted trade war and fight for a comprehensive, long-term strategy that strengthens manufacturing and prioritizes the interests of U.S. and Canadian workers.” 

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers 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.

IAM Canada – Trump Tariffs on Canada Jeopardize Aerospace, Defense, and Manufacturing Sectors While Threatening National Security

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Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), representing 600,000 workers, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, today issued a strong rebuke of President Trump’s tariffs, warning of severe economic consequences and job losses across the United States and Canada: 

“President Trump’s scatter-shot tariffs are a direct assault on American and Canadian workers. They will destabilize critical sectors like aerospace and manufacturing, jeopardizing hundreds of thousands of jobs and undermining national security.

“These tariffs will not bring our jobs home. They will raise prices on everything. They will wreck our supply chains on both sides of the border. And they will put our members’ jobs at risk.

“For decades, we have witnessed the erosion of millions of well-paying, high-skilled U.S. and Canadian jobs as corporations outsourced production to countries with lax labor standards. The administration’s trade policies will accelerate this decline, outsourcing thousands of IAM Union aerospace and defense jobs into low-wage positions.

“We cannot stand idly by while reckless policies destroy our supply chains, destabilize economies, and imperil the livelihoods of tens of thousands of workers, including over 100,000 aerospace workers across both nations. This administration’s isolationist approach ignores the interconnected nature of the U.S. and Canadian economies and national security.

“Our Union continues to emphasize the urgent need for a collaborative and strategic approach to tariffs. This approach must involve government, business, and labor unions and develop a comprehensive strategy that strengthens and expands critical sectors in the U.S. and Canada.

“Workers must be part of the solution to ensure that trade policies benefit our communities, not multinational corporations seeking to exploit cheap labor abroad.

“The IAM Union pledges to fight against these harmful tariffs, vowing to prevent a repeat of past trade failures that resulted in widespread economic devastation and increased risks to national security.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers 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. 

IAM Canada – IAM Union at the PRLC International Women’s Day CelebrationIAM Canada –

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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.