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. Among those speaking at the event were NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), and several 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. Supporters argue that this order weakened civil servants’ ability to advocate for themselves and undermined their workplace protections.
Federal employees are responsible for a range of duties including public safety, national security, and providing essential services nationwide. Advocates say restoring collective bargaining rights will help ensure safe workplaces, fair treatment, and effective service delivery.
The IAM Union continues to support NFFE-IAM and all federal workers in calling on Senators to pass PAWA as soon as possible. Federal employees and supporters are encouraged to contact their Senators about voting in favor of restoring these worker protections.
