The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) joined the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) and other unions at a rally urging the U.S. Senate to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act (PAWA). The legislation aims to restore collective bargaining rights for federal workers across the country.
Union leaders, federal employees, and elected officials gathered to call for Senate action after the bill passed in the House of Representatives. Speakers at the event included NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), along with other labor advocates.
“We have this essential piece of legislation, which passed the House and is now waiting for action in the Senate,” said Erwin. “This bill would protect the U.S. Constitution and the First Amendment rights of American workers by reversing an unconstitutional executive order that stripped more than one million federal employees of their right to collectively bargain.”
The Protect America’s Workforce Act seeks to overturn an executive order issued on March 27, 2025, by President Donald Trump that removed collective bargaining rights from federal workers. According to union representatives, this order affected over one million civil servants and reduced their ability to negotiate workplace conditions.
Federal employees are responsible for a range of services including public safety, national security, and community support nationwide. Union officials argue that restoring collective bargaining rights is necessary for these workers to advocate for safe working environments and fair treatment.
The IAM Union has expressed its continued support for NFFE-IAM and all federal workers in calling on senators to approve PAWA as soon as possible.
Erwin encouraged supporters: “Federal workers and allies are encouraged to contact their U.S. Senators and urge them to vote YES on the Protect America’s Workforce Act to restore collective bargaining rights and protect the civil service.”
