WASHINGTON, July 27, 2026 – Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) released the following statement after the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced new Section 301 trade actions aimed at addressing forced labour in global supply chains:

“Forced labour has no place in the global economy. Companies and countries that profit from exploitation should not be rewarded with access to the U.S. market at the expense of workers who play by the rules.

“The IAM Union supports strong trade enforcement that defends human rights, protects good-paying jobs and prevents unfair trade practices from undermining American and Canadian manufacturing. When foreign governments allow forced labour to persist in their supply chains, they create an artificial cost advantage that hurts workers everywhere.

“Trade enforcement is most effective when it is focused on changing the behavior of the worst offenders while strengthening partnerships with nations that share our commitment to higher labour standards and fair competition.

“That is why we are deeply troubled to see Canada, which shares the United States’ commitment to ban goods manufactured with forced labour, included in these actions. The IAM Union proudly represents workers in both the United States and Canada, and our members build products together every day through one of the most integrated manufacturing relationships in the world. As this policy moves forward, we encourage the administration to work with Canada to preserve the strong economic and labour partnership that has benefited workers on both sides of the border for generations.”

The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across North America.

A national petition has been launched by the IAM Union calling on the Government of Canada to reject any proposal to privatize, sell, or transfer ownership or control of Canadian airports.

Canada’s airports are critical public infrastructure that support millions of passengers each year and play a vital role in economic stability, national security, emergency response, tourism, trade, and regional connectivity across the country.

Airports were built through long-term public investment and are intended to operate in the public interest. Any move toward privatization raises serious concerns about the long-term consequences for affordability, accountability, and service quality.

What’s at stake if airports are privatized:
• Increased costs for travellers through higher airport and airline fees
• Reduced transparency and public oversight of critical infrastructure
• Greater pressure on wages, staffing levels, and working conditions in aviation
• Prioritization of private profit over public service and accessibility
• Potential impacts on regional routes and connectivity, particularly in smaller communities

The petition is now available for Canadians to sign and share widely. It calls on the Federal government to ensure that airports remain publicly accountable infrastructure, operated in the best interest of workers, passengers, and communities; not private financial interests.

Sign and share the petition: Petition e-7453 – Petitions

This initiative reflects growing concern about the future of public infrastructure in Canada and the need to protect essential transportation assets for current and future generations.

Media inquiries:
Dave Flowers
President & Directing General Chairperson
IAM District 140
dflowers@iam140.ca