The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has expressed strong opposition to reports that U.S. President Donald Trump is considering decertifying Canadian-made aircraft and imposing a 50% import tariff on planes built in Canada. The union warned that such measures would disrupt the North American aerospace industry and threaten thousands of jobs in both countries.
According to IAM, any move to impose tariffs or interfere with certification processes would have significant effects not only on Canadian workers but also on their American counterparts due to the integrated nature of the aerospace sectors in both nations. The manufacturing and maintenance of aircraft across North America function as a single, interconnected system.
Bombardier, an aviation company based in Greater Montréal, Québec, employs about 3,000 people in the United States at its manufacturing and service centers. The company also works with nearly 2,800 U.S.-based suppliers who provide components for Canadian-built aircraft, supporting additional American jobs. These aircraft are used daily within U.S. airspace by airlines and operators that contribute to regional economies.
IAM stated that using certification as a political tool is “unjustified and dangerous.” The union emphasized that certification should be focused on safety rather than politics or economics. They warned that revoking certifications for political reasons could lead to lengthy legal disputes and create uncertainty for workers, investors, and the broader aviation sector throughout North America.
David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, said: “The aerospace industries in Canada and the United States are deeply interconnected. Any attack on Canadian aircraft harms both Canadian and American workers alike. Aircraft certification must remain independent and grounded in safety, not politics. Politically motivated decertification would create instability, threaten thousands of jobs on both sides of the border, and undermine the integrity of the aviation system we all depend on.”
The union highlighted a long-standing partnership between Canada and the United States regarding aerospace manufacturing, safety oversight, and innovation. It argued that undermining this relationship would negatively affect workers, airlines, suppliers, and passengers.
Brian Bryant, IAM Union International President added: “The IAM Union represents hundreds of thousands of members in the aerospace, defense, and other manufacturing sectors in both the U.S. and Canada. Many IAM members work at companies that rely heavily on integrated supply chains between the U.S. and Canada. Any attack on this partnership will result in job losses, increased prices, and a variety of other negative impacts. The Trump administration should focus on closing the loopholes that continue to fuel the offshoring of aerospace, manufacturing, and other critical jobs across North America.”
IAM called for decision-makers to keep politics separate from aviation safety regulations while protecting workers who rely on stable certification systems.
IAM represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members across various industries including aerospace throughout North America.
