Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), issued a statement following a Supreme Court decision on trade authority. The IAM Union, which represents about 600,000 active and retired members in sectors including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, and automotive across North America, addressed concerns about tariff policies.
Bryant criticized the practice of imposing sudden tariffs on foreign imports from close allies such as Canada. He stated: “Arbitrary, snap tariff decisions—especially those targeting close allies like Canada—create uncertainty that endangers jobs in highly interdependent industries such as aerospace and manufacturing, raises prices for consumers, and makes it harder for businesses and workers to plan for the future. That instability also complicates collective bargaining, where predictability is essential to securing strong contracts and long-term job security.”
He emphasized that while the IAM Union supports targeted tariffs to protect workers from unfair global practices that violate labor or human rights standards and disrupt fair competition, these measures should be applied carefully within a broader strategy.
Referring to the Supreme Court’s ruling, Bryant said: “The Supreme Court decision reinforces the U.S. Constitution’s clear assignment of authority to Congress to impose tariffs on foreign imports. Trade policy must be grounded in that framework and carried out with care.”
Bryant also expressed concern over the impact of past tariff decisions on union members and consumers: “It is deeply troubling that throughout this process, it has been our members and everyday consumers who have shouldered the burden of these illegally imposed tariffs, while the very corporations that bankrolled this administration may now be first in line for rebates. Workers paid the price, so they should be the first ones to see relief.”
He concluded by stating: “Trade policy should strengthen manufacturing and workers—not create unnecessary economic chaos.”
The IAM Union remains active in advocating for policies that support its membership across various industries in North America.
