The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has issued a statement condemning reported threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to decertify Canadian-made aircraft and impose a 50% import tariff on planes built in Canada. The union warns that such measures could significantly disrupt the North American aerospace industry and jeopardize thousands of jobs in both countries.
According to the IAM, the aerospace sectors in the United States and Canada are closely linked, with manufacturing and maintenance operations functioning as a single system across North America. Bombardier, based in Greater Montréal, employs about 3,000 workers at its U.S. facilities and depends on nearly 2,800 American suppliers that support thousands more jobs. Many parts used in Canadian-built aircraft are produced in the United States, and these planes operate regularly within U.S. airspace.
The union argues that using certification or tariffs as political tools would have widespread negative effects for workers, companies, and regional economies on both sides of the border. It also notes that any attempt to revoke certifications for political reasons could lead to lengthy legal disputes and undermine confidence in aviation safety standards.
David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, stated: “The aerospace industries in Canada and the United States are deeply interconnected. Any attack on Canadian aircraft harms both Canadian and American workers alike. Aircraft certification must remain independent and grounded in safety, not politics. Politically motivated decertification would create instability, threaten thousands of jobs on both sides of the border, and undermine the integrity of the aviation system we all depend on.”
The IAM also highlights that Canada and the United States have long cooperated on aerospace manufacturing and safety oversight. Disrupting this partnership could negatively affect workers, airlines, suppliers, and passengers.
Brian Bryant, IAM Union International President said: “The IAM Union represents hundreds of thousands of members in the aerospace, defense, and other manufacturing sectors in both the U.S. and Canada. Many IAM members work at companies that rely heavily on integrated supply chains between the U.S. and Canada. Any attack on this partnership will result in job losses, increased prices, and a variety of other negative impacts. The Trump administration should focus on closing the loopholes that continue to fuel the offshoring of aerospace, manufacturing, and other critical jobs across North America.”
IAM calls for keeping politics out of aviation safety decisions to protect workers’ livelihoods as well as industry stability.
IAM is one of North America’s largest industrial trade unions with approximately 600,000 active or retired members across various sectors including aerospace.
