The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) participated in a recent briefing with labor experts and Congressional allies to highlight labor priorities during the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The event aimed to inform Congressional staff and leaders about the need for reforms that prioritize workers in future trade agreements.
Participants acknowledged that while USMCA made improvements over its predecessor, NAFTA, ongoing challenges remain. These include wage disparities, insufficient enforcement mechanisms, and increasing exploitation by foreign interests, which continue to threaten U.S. jobs.
Key priorities discussed included enhancing Rules of Origin provisions to reduce offshoring, closing loopholes that permit Chinese transshipment and final assembly via Mexico, expanding labor enforcement tools such as the Rapid Response Mechanism, addressing wage gaps that encourage job relocation, and protecting critical manufacturing sectors like aerospace, automotive, steel, and aluminum.
Peter Greenberg, IAM Union International Affairs Director, emphasized concerns specific to the aerospace sector. He noted the strong interdependence between U.S. and Canadian aerospace manufacturing and its vulnerability to disruptions. “One of our great fears has been an interruption of the aerospace supply chain, particularly because it is very closely tied between the U.S. and Canada,” said Greenberg.
Greenberg also pointed out risks associated with China’s use of Mexico as a transshipment hub. “China is using Mexico as a transshipment location,” he stated. “It allows goods to be repackaged and essentially enter the United States tariff-free.” He warned that Mexico could serve as a final assembly site for Chinese aerospace products—a development that could jeopardize jobs connected to companies such as Boeing and Airbus as well as U.S.-based jet engine production. Greenberg referenced China’s expansion into commercial aviation through projects like the COMAC C919 and efforts supported by Belt and Road financing.
Other speakers at the briefing included Representative Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee; Riley Ohlson from AFL-CIO; Roy Houseman from United Steelworkers; and Christopher Zatratz from United Auto Workers.
