The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) participated in a recent briefing with labor experts and members of Congress to highlight concerns about the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and advocate for reforms that prioritize workers. The event aimed to inform Congressional staff and leaders about key labor priorities as part of the ongoing USMCA review.
Speakers at the briefing pointed out that, while USMCA made some improvements over its predecessor NAFTA, issues such as wage disparities, insufficient enforcement, and increasing foreign exploitation continue to threaten jobs in the United States. They emphasized the need for stronger Rules of Origin to prevent companies from moving production overseas, closing loopholes that allow Chinese goods to enter the U.S. market through Mexico, enhancing labor enforcement mechanisms like the Rapid Response Mechanism, addressing wage gaps that encourage companies to relocate jobs abroad, and protecting critical manufacturing sectors including aerospace, automotive, steel, and aluminum.
Peter Greenberg, IAM Union International Affairs Director, focused on risks facing the aerospace sector. He stated: “One of our great fears has been an interruption of the aerospace supply chain, particularly because it is very closely tied between the U.S. and Canada.” Greenberg warned that without prompt action, job losses in this sector could become permanent due to its interconnected nature.
Greenberg also addressed concerns about China’s role in exploiting USMCA provisions. “China is using Mexico as a transshipment location,” he said. “It allows goods to be repackaged and essentially enter the United States tariff-free.” He further cautioned that Mexico could become a final assembly site for Chinese aerospace products—a development he argued would put jobs related to Boeing, Airbus, and U.S. jet engine manufacturing at risk. Greenberg cited China’s efforts in commercial aviation with projects like COMAC C919 and investments linked to Belt and Road financing as factors undermining North American production.
Other speakers included Representative Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee; Riley Ohlson from AFL-CIO; Roy Houseman from United Steelworkers; and Christopher Zatratz from United Auto Workers.
