Students at École Airdrie Middle School in Airdrie, Alberta, recently had the opportunity to learn about the importance of unions from IAM Union International Representative Kevin Timms. During his lunchtime visit, Timms explained the essential role unions play in protecting the rights of workers, improving working conditions, and advocating for fair treatment in the workplace.

Timms took the time to share insights about the IAM, discussing how the union operates and how international representatives support workers both locally and globally. He also explained how someone becomes a unionist, what his favorite parts of his career are, and the challenges he has encountered along the way.

The session was not only informative but also inspiring, as Timms offered students a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to be a part of a union and the value of fighting for fair working conditions. His visit gave the students a deeper understanding of the labour movement and the vital work unions do to support workers’ rights.

Overall, it was a highly educational and engaging session that left students with a greater appreciation for unions and their role in the workplace.

Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump imposing a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods imported into the United States:

“The IAM is a strong advocate of trade policy that helps protect and grow jobs in the United States and Canada. This includes both nations working as allies, not enemies, with regards to policy to combat illegal trade practices by countries such as China.

“The IAM represents hundreds of thousands of members in the aerospace, defense and other manufacturing sectors in both countries. Many IAM members work at companies that rely heavily on integrated supply chains between the U.S. and Canada.”

“The 25% tariffs on Canadian goods imported to the U.S., will result in job losses, increased prices, and a variety of other negative impacts. This trade war action is unjust and should be reconsidered. 

“As we’ve stated in the past, the IAM supports tariffs when used properly. Tariffs are just one tool in the toolbox to combat wrongdoing by nations, such as China, that cheat global trade rules for an unfair advantage of the U.S. and Canada.

“The U.S. and Canada have a longstanding history of being close allies and working collaboratively to help level the global playing field. The Trump administration imposing tariffs on Canadian imports could reverse this partnership and ultimately lead to job losses for both nations.” 

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.

Canadians will suffer an economic terrorism…

President Trump’s 25% tariff on all Canadian goods exported to the United States is not just an economic setback, it is an all-out assault on Canadian workers, industries, and families. This protectionist measure threatens jobs, disrupts economies, and undermines the quality of life for both Canadians and Americans. It’s a policy that cannot be ignored, and it’s more critical than ever that we stand united to push back against these unjust measures. But it is more important than ever now that we come together and stand united to counter the devastating policies of a schoolyard bully.

“Trump’s tariffs harm every sector of our economy, and the fallout will be felt on both sides of the border. These tariffs benefit Trump and his billionaire allies, but they will leave ordinary workers and consumers in both countries paying the price, it’s economic terrorism.” stated David Chartrand, General Vice-President of the IAM Union in Canada.

Canada is a vital supplier to the U.S. market, accounting for:

• 35% of the lumber consumed in the U.S.
• 50% of aluminum
• 60% of crude oil
• 15% of food products
• Over half (57.38%) of the commercial and military aviation industry exports

This level of economic interdependence means that any tariff or trade barrier will have serious consequences for industries across both nations. The impact will not only be felt in Canada, it will also affect workers and consumers in the U.S. as well.

This trade relationship represents more than just economic ties; it is a bond between two countries built on cooperation, shared interests, and mutual support. Tariffs, however, create artificial barriers that divide workers, communities, and industries. This runs contrary to the spirit of unity that has defined U.S.-Canada relations for over a century. In many ways, tariffs represent a form of economic terrorism, one that increases inequality and deepens divisions.

It is time for Canada to take action and defend itself from these bullying tactics. “We must work together to strengthen our economy through bold policies; policies that protect Canadian workers, promote local procurement, and ensure that we don’t fall victim to protectionism. Our focus should be on building a more resilient, self-sufficient economy that prioritizes the well-being of our citizens”, added Chartrand.

The path forward is clear: we must unite across political, economic, and labour lines to confront this challenge head-on. The time has come to put aside our differences and form an alliance to protect our economy, our jobs, and our way of life against a bully like Donald Trump, who seeks to divide and conquer.

The only way forward is unity.

Together, we are stronger. And together, we can defend Canada’s future.

The IAM Union has represented more than 50,000 workers in Canada and 600,000 workers across North America since 1890. The IAM proudly stands as a leading union, advocating for workers’ rights, fair wages, and better working conditions across a wide range of industries. With a history of over 130 years, the IAM continues to fight for the dignity and well-being of workers, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.

Original article published by Reuters: North American aerospace union presses Trump to pause tariffs on Canada | Reuters

Mon, February 3, 2025 at 1:35 p.m. EST 3 min read
By Allison Lampert

(Reuters) – The United States should pause tariffs on Canada as it did on Mexico, the head of the largest North American aerospace union told Reuters on Monday, as industry executives weighed the impact of fresh duties on plane parts and jets.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced executive orders that would impose tariffs of 25% on Canadian imports and 10% on goods from China starting on Tuesday. Trump had planned a 25% tariff on Mexico, but that was delayed after a Monday call with Mexico’s president.

“I would think they would do the same thing for Canada,” said Brian Bryant, international president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), which represents workers at planemakers such as Boeing.

“We just have so many jobs in the U.S. that export aerospace goods to Canada for their programs up there and we wouldn’t want to see those jobs jeopardized by that.”

Bryant said Trump should meet with unions such as the IAM to hear workers’ views. Some IAM members voted for Trump and probably did not envision “that their jobs are going to be impacted by the potential of what he might do with tariffs,” he said.

Tariffs would add complexity and higher costs to planemaking, with a tight supply chain limiting firms’ ability to find alternative parts. Canada exported C$12.8 billion ($8.78 billion) of aerospace and defense-related products to the U.S. and imported C$10.2 billion worth, according to 2023 government data.

Bombardier shares tumbled as much as 13% before paring losses to around 2%. The Canadian business jet maker said in a statement it will use the coming days to analyze multiple scenarios to avert fallout.

The tariffs’ duration is unclear and Trump’s penchant to shift quickly makes planning for such scenarios more difficult. A trade war would hurt aerospace’s sprawling supply chain at a time when Boeing, a key U.S. exporter, is trying to boost plane production following lower 2024 output.

Boeing has $87.5 billion in inventory from suppliers and aircraft parts are exempt from tariffs under a 1979 treaty that includes the U.S. and Canada, although it is not clear if that agreement would prevent Trump from imposing tariffs on the sector.

Aerospace products and planemaking materials steel and aluminum are targeted by Canada for a second round of retaliatory tariffs in three weeks.

PASSING ON COSTS

Companies that buy aluminum from Canada to make sheets and plates or extrusions for seat racks would likely have no choice but to pass on costs to planemakers, analysts said.

Boeing, European rival Airbus, which also produces jets in Canada and the United States, and suppliers RTX and Honeywell declined to comment.

“The likely outcome will be price increases,” said Frederic Loiselle, a co-founder of Montreal-based private equity firm Thrust Capital Partners, which specializes in small aerospace firms. “There is no capacity to turn to and if it was easy to put in place, the industry would have settled its supply chain issues long ago.”

Loiselle said some of Thrust’s companies had been buying aluminum parts ahead of Trump’s weekend tariff announcements.

The business jet sector would be hard-hit if tariffs persist, said U.S. aerospace analyst Richard Aboulafia. RTX’s Pratt & Whitney Canada produces engines for some business jet models from General Dynamics’ Gulfstream Aerospace and Textron.

Dak Hardwick, vice president of international affairs at the U.S. trade group Aerospace Industries Association, said tariffs on Canada and Mexico could change the “positive trajectory” that has made the U.S. a top aerospace exporter.

($1 = 1.4585 Canadian dollars)

(Reporting By Allison Lampert in Montreal. Additional reporting by Tim Hepher in Paris; Editing by Rod Nickel)

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2025 – Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, issued the following statement following a pause of proposed U.S.-Canadian tariffs.

“As the largest aerospace and defense labor union in the United States and Canada, the IAM Union is relieved that destructive tariffs between our two allied countries are being paused. A new path forward—one that doesn’t put U.S. and Canadian workers in a needless cycle of worrying about job loss due to tariff threats between allies—is possible. This moment offers the perfect opportunity for workers and unions from both countries to be a part of the solution moving forward. 

“For decades, we have seen millions of good-paying, high-skilled U.S. and Canadian jobs outsourced to countries with little to no labor rights. Thanks to bad trade deals, tens of thousands of good IAM Union aerospace and defense jobs have become low-wage jobs in Mexico, while China has used forced technology offsets to create its own aerospace industry. This race-to-the-bottom model is being replicated by other bad actors across the globe – and it’s hurting all workers, as well as our shared national security. 

“We have a chance right now to pull all stakeholders – government, business and labor – together to forge a real, comprehensive strategy to protect and grow critical manufacturing here in the United States and Canada. Workers on the both sides of the border deserve to drive policy conversations about their livelihoods, not be pawns in a larger political discussion.”  

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.

To cut it short, the brief timeline includes these key facts: On February 1, Trump imposes a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, sparking chaos across industries. Then, just two days later, on February 3, he decides to pause the tariffs for 30 days. What’s this game? Let’s dive deeper.

Just three days after threatening to start a trade war, U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to pause tariffs on Canadian imports for at least 30 days, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced earlier on his X account. While this temporary delay may offer a brief delay, it begs the question: “How long will workers on both sides of the border continue to suffer as pawns in these political games” asks David Chartrand, IAM Union Canada, General Vice-President.

The reality is, for many families, the consequences of trade disruptions are not just theoretical. They are deeply personal. Workers in both the U.S. and Canada, many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet, face uncertainty and anxiety every time tariffs are threatened or imposed. These decisions, made by politicians in negotiations over issues like fentanyl smuggling and border security, can lead to job losses, higher costs of goods, and economic instability. And it’s these workers, the backbone of industries across both nations, who pay the price.

While the 30-day pause might seem like a win, it is ultimately a temporary solution that does little to address the ongoing strain that families face. These workers have become pawns in a larger political game, caught between leaders making deals with little regard for the human cost. They didn’t ask for this instability. They didn’t sign up to have their livelihoods threatened as part of negotiations.

How long can workers and their families endure this uncertainty? Every time Trump threatens tariffs, it is the people who rely on cross-border trade for their jobs that are left in uncertainty. This temporary pause may offer a break for now, but what workers really need is long-term stability and assurance that they won’t continue to be treated as leverage in a game that doesn’t consider their daily struggles.

As this political and economical game plays out, it is essential that we ask: When will we stop using workers as bargaining chips? They deserve more than a quick fix. They deserve security and a future that isn’t at the mercy of trade tensions.

It’s time we demand more stability for those who depend on the trade that fuels their livelihoods.

When workers come together, great things happen. This was evident in the recent historic agreement reached by the workers at Humber Motors Ford in Corner Brook. What began as a tense and uncertain negotiation process in October 2024, marked by setbacks and the looming threat of a strike, ultimately culminated in a remarkable victory for the union members. Through tireless effort, unity, and a shared commitment to achieving a fair deal, the workers secured an agreement that addresses both their immediate needs and long-term goals.

The bargaining process was anything but smooth. After an initial offer from the company was rejected by the membership, the dispute went through a conciliation process. With the clock ticking toward a potential strike, both sides remained at the table, working tirelessly to reach an agreement. The breakthrough came when the committee successfully negotiated a deal that addressed the key concerns of both the members and the employer, particularly wages and training.

For the members, wages were the top priority, especially in a market where mechanics’ wages are rising due to a shortage of qualified technicians. As International Representative at the IAM Union, Matthew Barnable explained, “We knew this would be a tough negotiation. Mechanic’s wages have gone up with a shortage of technicians, and our members were looking for a fair wage that reflected this.”

For the employer, the main issue was training. Despite the challenges, both sides managed to find common ground. Barnable added, “Training was the biggest issue for the employer, and thankfully we were able to work through that to get where we needed to be.”

Furthermore, one of the key victories for the members was the addition of a Heavy Duty Premium, which had been a longstanding demand. The members at Humber Motors Ford work on a significant number of commercial vehicles, and securing this premium was a crucial win.

The outcome says it all. The new agreement features:

• A 13% wage increase over three years.
• A $5.00 Heavy Duty Premium to compensate for the demanding nature of the work on commercial vehicles.
• An increase in the boot allowance to help cover work-related expenses.
• The removal of flat rate language, replaced with a 40-hour guarantee and gain time bonus, ensuring more stability and fair compensation for the workers.

Cory Pennell, shop steward and member of the negotiations committee, summed up the sentiment of the workers: “It was a hard battle, but we stuck with it, and we got it done.”

Barnable concluded, “Our members stuck together and stood strong, which allowed us to get this done.” In the end, this agreement highlights the power of unity and perseverance in securing fair wages, better working conditions, and a brighter future for workers in the automotive industry.

For more information
Matthew Barnable
International Representative at the IAM Union

The IAM Union, which represents workers across diverse sectors such as aerospace, air transportation, healthcare, mining, automotive, hospitality, and more, was proud to be at the Canada-U.S. Economic Summit in Toronto on February 7. The summit, hosted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, took place shortly after President Donald Trump revealed a temporary pause on his tariff threats against Canada. The event gathered Canadian business leaders, trade representatives, and organized labour to discuss important strategies for boosting the economy, eliminating internal trade barriers, and diversifying Canada’s export markets.

The IAM Union stands firmly with Canadian workers, and our presence at this summit showcases our commitment to ensuring that our voices are heard when it comes to critical issues affecting our industries, communities and workers. For too long, Canada’s natural resources, our skilled workforce, and our positive relations with trade partners have been used against us, especially as the looming threat of tariffs continues to disrupt our economy.

The message from this summit was clear: Canada can no longer afford to be vulnerable to these unpredictable tariff threats. We are a country rich in resources, minerals, and talent. It’s time to look beyond our borders, develop new markets, and form trade agreements with countries that value fair trade over political leverage. Canada’s good nature should never again be mistaken for weakness. The IAM Union believes that by developing stronger international relationships and seeking fairer agreements, we can avoid future economic risks while continuing to strengthen our nation’s prosperity.

In response to the potential economic challenges, the summit highlighted a crucial point: this is a time for unity.

The ongoing trade tensions have brought Canadians closer together, regardless of sector or industry. Workers, businesses, and government must come together to protect good Canadian jobs and secure the future of our economy. This collaboration between labour, business, and government is not just essential but urgent. Without it, we risk losing the economic gains and opportunities that are fundamental to the growth of Canada.

The future of Canada depends on the cooperation between government, business, and the working people of this country. Together, we can face any challenge that comes our way and ensure that Canada remains a prosperous, fair, and thriving nation.

As an election is set to unfold, the reality of yet another unnecessary political race is upon us. The constant cycle of elections, many of which seem more about political maneuvering than real progress, can be frustrating. However, the IAM Union, representing over 50,000 members across Canada, proudly endorses Marit Stiles and the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP).

“We believe Marit Stiles is the right candidate for Ontario. She is not just a politician who talks a good game. She walks the talk. Unlike others who promise to support workers, Marit has consistently shown she is committed to fighting for us. She has our backs.”

The Ontario NDP has consistently proven to be the only party truly committed to protecting workers and their rights. Over the years, they have shown a deep dedication to keeping Ontario jobs secure, ensuring that working families can rely on stable employment. They also made it easier for workers to join unions, negotiate better wages, and improve working conditions. Unlike other parties that prioritize the interests of large corporations, the NDP puts workers first.

The NDP also understands the vital importance of public services like healthcare and education, ensuring that these essential services are properly funded and accessible to all Ontarians.

“One thing is clear: other parties have proven time and again that their priorities lie with big corporations, not the people who keep the economy running and support working families. We have seen the cuts, the attacks on workers’ rights, and the efforts to privatize our public services. It’s time for change.”

The IAM Union is proud to support Marit Stiles and the Ontario NDP because they have consistently stood by the labour movement, ensuring that workers’ voices are heard and their needs are addressed. We encourage all members and workers across Ontario to get out and vote for Marit Stiles and the Ontario NDP, as they are the key to building a better, stronger, and fairer province for everyone.

“Now, more than ever, it’s crucial that we make our voices heard at the ballot box. Let’s make sure that we vote for a government that truly cares about the future of our families, our communities, and our workers. Marit Stiles and the Ontario NDP are the only ones who can deliver real, tangible solutions that prioritize working people.”

The IAM Union has represented more than 50,000 workers in Canada and 600,000 workers across North America since 1890. The IAM proudly stands as a leading union, advocating for workers’ rights, fair wages, and better working conditions across a wide range of industries. With a history of over 130 years, the IAM continues to fight for the dignity and well-being of workers, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.

Published Feb 11, 2025 at 4:23 PM EST on Newsweek.com

The 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union, for decades the largest aerospace and defense labor union in the U.S. and Canada, is relieved that President Donald Trump has paused his tariff war with Canada.

The IAM is all for the strategic use of tariffs to rebuild domestic manufacturing, enforce workers’ rights, and stop trade cheating. But slapping tariffs on goods traded between the U.S. and Canada will drive up prices and cripple demand, leading to job losses in several industries across both nations.

When it comes to U.S. and Canadian aerospace trade, for example, the proposed 25 percent tariffs would be fatal friendly fire.

The proposed across-the-board tariffs would threaten the livelihoods and families of manufacturing and other workers in aerospace and defense in both nations, as well as the future of an industry vital to national security, transportation, and innovation.

Our members assemble civilian and military aircraft, build missiles and rockets, and manufacture parts and components. They also provide skilled, technical maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for such equipment.

Our workers have already been slammed by decades of imbalanced and unenforced trade agreements and policies. We have seen mass offshoring of vital jobs in the aerospace industry, thanks to trade policies that treated workers as pawns. Millions of good-paying, high-skilled U.S. and Canadian jobs were shifted to countries where workers have little to no labour rights so wages are low and conditions are dangerous.

The proposed tariffs would be a direct assault on the deeply integrated supply chains that provide the backbone of aerospace manufacturing. The consequences could be devastating: production delays and lack of military readiness, increased costs and, most critically, the potential loss of thousands of IAM Union jobs in aerospace, shipbuilding, and defense manufacturing across the U.S. and Canada.

Why? The U.S. and Canadian aerospace industries are tightly linked. Many Canadian aircraft contain numerous U.S.-made parts. Canadian companies source components from major U.S. corporations as well as countless small- and medium-sized businesses across every U.S. state. This symbiotic relationship also means that Canadian aerospace and defense companies employ a significant number of people in the U.S.

Imposing tariffs on Canada would be like cutting off our nose to spite our face. It would disrupt U.S. exports, break well-established supply chains, and undermine the competitiveness of our aerospace and defense industries just as China is making historic investments to build its own air and sea capacity.

Indeed, according to the U.S. International Trade Administration, Canada is the second-largest destination for U.S. exports of civil aircraft, engines, and parts while the U.S. is the biggest destination for such Canadian exports.

The tariffs would decimate an industry that contributes more than $874 billion to the U.S. economy, and nearly $30 billion to Canada’s GDP. It also supports more than 2 million American workers in good jobs worth an average of $104,577 in total wages and benefits, and 218,000 such jobs in Canada.

The U.S. and Canadian aerospace and defense industries are a rare bright spot—together, we export more than we import. Plus, goods trade between the U.S. and Canada is balanced if you control for Canadian oil exports. These tariffs could destroy that success.

Rather than engaging in short-sighted trade wars, we need a comprehensive, long-term strategy that strengthens manufacturing and prioritizes workers’ interests. This reprieve offers the opportunity for workers and unions from both countries to participate in developing these solutions.

A new strategy requires a fundamental shift in approach.

We need a united front—government, businesses, industry associations, and labor—working together to forge a trade policy that benefits all stakeholders. Workers must have a voice in decisions that directly affect their lives and livelihoods, and must not be treated as bargaining chips.

And IAM’s high-skilled and experienced workforce has a lot to contribute to creating a winning approach. We stand ready to engage in meaningful discussions with our nations’ leaders, share our expertise, and work towards solutions that ensure a stable, prosperous future for U.S. and Canadian aerospace, defense and manufacturing.

To defend our nations, maintain our global standing and rebuild our production capacity and resilient supply chains, we must invest in developing future generations of well-trained workers.

This is not just about protecting jobs. At issue is preserving and strengthening a critical sector that contributes significantly greatly to both the U.S and Canadian economies and national security.