The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is calling on the U.S. Senate to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act, following its recent approval in the House of Representatives by a vote of 231-195. The bill aims to restore collective bargaining rights for federal employees who lost those rights under a recent executive order.
The legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Jared Golden (D-Maine) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), with companion legislation in the Senate led by Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.). The Senate version currently has 48 cosponsors, including two Republicans.
In a letter addressed to senators, IAM International President Brian Bryant wrote, “The IAM is a strong advocate for workers’ rights and firmly believes this EO is blatantly illegal. This EO is an assault on the rights and job security for federal workers caring for our veterans, keeping our military ready, adjudicating passport applications, caring for our public lands, and performing countless other essential public services.”
The union argues that the executive order undermines collective bargaining rights that have historically provided workplace protections and supported effective delivery of public services. IAM represents thousands of federal employees nationwide through its affiliate, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), which covers about 110,000 federal workers.
According to IAM officials, bipartisan support in the House signals increasing momentum to overturn what they consider an unjust removal of these labor rights. The union urges prompt action from senators to approve the Protect America’s Workforce Act in order to secure stability and respect for federal workers.
