Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), issued a statement following a recent Supreme Court decision regarding tariff authority. The IAM Union represents about 600,000 active and retired members in industries such as aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, and automotive across North America.
Bryant criticized sudden tariff decisions that affect allied countries like 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 the union’s position on tariffs: “The IAM Union has long supported the use of targeted tariffs as one tool in a broader toolbox to protect workers from bad global actors who violate labor and human rights and undercut fair competition.”
Bryant noted that the Supreme Court’s decision affirms Congress’s constitutional authority over tariffs. “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,” he said.
He also expressed concern about the impact of past tariff policies on workers: “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.”
Bryant concluded by calling for trade policies that support workers: “Trade policy should strengthen manufacturing and workers—not create unnecessary economic chaos.”
