ATLANTA – Newly unionized Massage Envy workers in Stockbridge, Ga., made history today as they held their first-ever day of collective bargaining for their first union contract. The workers won their union this May, and are the first in the nation to successfully unionize at Massage Envy. Their contract is believed to be the first union contract at any Massage Envy location in the U.S. 

Massage therapists face a myriad of workplace challenges, including health and safety challenges, serious risk for workplace injuries, and unpaid labor for time spent working outside of the massage room, making the need for union representation and contract urgent. The Stockbridge Massage Envy workers joined the 16,000-member powerhouse Printing Packaging & Production Workers Union of North America (IAM/PPPWU), an affiliate of the 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers).

“IAM/PPPWU is incredibly proud of the courage and tenacity of our Stockbridge Massage Envy members for standing up together to take their workplace safety, wages, and working conditions into their own hands and ensure that their jobs are sustainable, safe, and fair,” said Israel Castro, International President of IAM/PPPWU. “Every massage therapist – and every working person – deserves a union contract that ensures they will be safe at work and able to earn enough to live with dignity. Our union could not be more proud to represent Massage Envy workers, and we look forward to securing the first-in-the-nation union contract for them.”

“When we leave work, our bodies should not be aching with pain that makes it impossible to enjoy our lives,” said Nerissa Delacroix, a six-year massage therapist at Massage Envy in Stockbridge. “We deserve working conditions that allow our bodies to recover from repetitive, strenuous movement; protections from sexual harassment at work; fair policies that recognize the full contribution of our labor in preparation for and after every service; and wages and benefits we can support our families on. All workers deserve a union, and by standing together, we can change our industry to ensure jobs within it are just and sustainable.”

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SAN DIEGO, Sept. 17, 2026 — IAM Union members at General Dynamics NASSCO have ratified a strong new three-year collective bargaining agreement covering more than 800 shipbuilders in San Diego with massive wage and benefit gains.

The agreement delivers a 10% wage increase in the first year, followed by increases of 5% in the second year and 4% in the third year – raising wages by nearly 20% over the life of the contract.

The new contract also includes significant retirement improvements, including an increase in the 401(k) contribution to 5% and an increase in the pension multiplier to $57. Members also secured an additional floating holiday and stronger language covering attendance, seniority, life insurance, and disability benefits.

Additional economic gains include a $2 increase in working preman pay and a $1 increase in leadman pay.

The agreement maintains the current employee cost share for the Kaiser HMO/EPO, Kaiser HSA and alternative health plans. Under the SIMNSA plan, the company will pay 95% of the cost, with employees contributing 5%.

“This contract recognizes the skill, sacrifice, and essential work of IAM members who build the ships that support our national security and strengthen America’s maritime capabilities,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “Our members stood together throughout this campaign, and their solidarity produced meaningful improvements in wages, retirement security, benefits and workplace protections.”

The ratification followed a months-long internal organizing and mobilization campaign led by IAM Local 389 and IAM District 947. During the campaign, membership within the NASSCO bargaining unit grew from approximately 21% to more than 67%, significantly strengthening workers’ collective voice at the negotiating table.

IAM Western Territory Special Representative Luis Silvas served as the negotiating committee’s spokesperson throughout bargaining.

“This agreement lays a strong foundation for the contracts still to come at NASSCO,” said Silvas. “As more workers become IAM members and our union density continues to grow, so does our leverage at the bargaining table. This contract shows what solidarity can achieve, and we will keep building that strength to win even more for NASSCO shipbuilders in the future.”

“This outcome belongs to the members who organized, attended meetings, participated in workplace actions, and supported their negotiating committee every step of the way,” said IAM District 947 President and Directing Business Representative Sal Vasquez. “They proved that when workers become members, get involved, and remain united, they can win a contract that moves everyone forward.”

IAM District 947 Business Representative William “Billy” Corona helped lead the internal organizing campaign and supported the committee throughout negotiations.

“Our members built the strength that made this agreement possible,” said Corona. “They talked with their coworkers, grew the union inside the shipyard and showed the company that NASSCO shipbuilders were prepared to stand together. That unity gave the committee the power it needed to secure real gains at the table.”

The IAM negotiating committee included NASSCO shipbuilders and IAM members Adrian Contreras, Stanley Huddleston, and Armando Ybhoa, who brought their coworkers’ priorities and experiences directly to the bargaining table.

The negotiating team also received support from IAM District 947 Organizer Alberto Delfin, who played a key role in the internal organizing and mobilization efforts that strengthened member participation and solidarity throughout the campaign.

“We are proud of what NASSCO shipbuilders accomplished together,” said the Negotiating Committee. “Our members made their priorities clear, stood behind their committee, and stood in solidarity throughout negotiations. This contract delivers substantial wage increases, stronger retirement benefits, and important language improvements that will make a real difference for our members and their families.”

IAM members at NASSCO build critical auxiliary and support ships for the U.S. Navy, as well as oil tankers and dry-cargo carriers for commercial markets. Their highly skilled work supports U.S. national defense and strengthens the nation’s maritime and shipbuilding industries.

The ratified agreement reflects the growing strength and solidarity of IAM Local 389 members and their commitment to building a stronger future for every NASSCO shipbuilder.

Trabajadores de la IAM en NASSCO ratifican un nuevo contrato histórico con aumentos salariales de casi un 20% y mejoras significativas en beneficios

SAN DIEGO, 17 de septiembre de 2026 — Los miembros de la IAM en General Dynamics NASSCO han ratificado un sólido nuevo contrato colectivo de tres años que cubre a más de 800 constructores navales en San Diego y ofrece importantes aumentos salariales y mejoras en beneficios.

El acuerdo establece un aumento salarial del 10% durante el primer año, seguido de aumentos del 5% en el segundo año y del 4% en el tercero, lo que representa un incremento de casi un 20% durante la vigencia del contrato.

El nuevo contrato también incluye mejoras significativas para la jubilación, entre ellas un aumento de la aportación al plan 401(k) al 5% y del multiplicador de la pensión a $57. Los miembros también obtuvieron un día feriado adicional de libre elección y disposiciones contractuales más sólidas sobre asistencia, antigüedad, seguro de vida y beneficios por incapacidad.

Otras mejoras económicas incluyen un aumento de $2 en la remuneración adicional para el puesto de “working preman” y de $1 para el puesto de “leadman”.

El acuerdo mantiene la proporción actual de los costos que pagan los empleados por los planes de salud Kaiser HMO/EPO, Kaiser HSA y el plan alternativo. En el plan SIMNSA, la empresa cubrirá el 95% del costo y los empleados aportarán el 5%.

“Este contrato reconoce la destreza, el sacrificio y el trabajo esencial de los miembros de la IAM que construyen los buques que respaldan nuestra seguridad nacional y fortalecen la capacidad marítima de Estados Unidos”, dijo el vicepresidente general del Territorio del Oeste de la IAM, Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “Nuestros miembros se mantuvieron unidos durante toda esta campaña, y su solidaridad produjo mejoras significativas en salarios, seguridad para la jubilación, beneficios y protecciones laborales”.

La ratificación se produjo tras una campaña de organización interna de varios meses y esfuerzos de movilización encabezados por la Local 389 y el Distrito 947 de la IAM. Durante la campaña, el porcentaje de miembros de la unión dentro de la unidad de negociación de NASSCO pasó de aproximadamente un 21% a más del 67%, fortaleciendo considerablemente la voz colectiva de los trabajadores en la mesa de negociación.

El representante especial del Territorio del Oeste de la IAM, Luis Silvas, fue el portavoz del comité negociador durante las negociaciones.

“Este acuerdo sienta una base sólida para los próximos contratos en NASSCO”, dijo Silvas. “A medida que más trabajadores se afilian a la IAM y aumenta el porcentaje de miembros de nuestra unión, también crece nuestro poder en la mesa de negociación. Este contrato demuestra lo que podemos lograr con solidaridad, y seguiremos fortaleciendo ese poder para conseguir aún más para los constructores navales de NASSCO en el futuro”.

“Este resultado les pertenece a los miembros que se organizaron, asistieron a reuniones, participaron en acciones en el lugar de trabajo y respaldaron a su comité negociador en cada etapa”, dijo el presidente y representante de negocios del Distrito 947 de la IAM, Sal Vasquez. “Demostraron que cuando los trabajadores se afilian, participan y se mantienen unidos, pueden conseguir un contrato que permita avanzar a todos”.

El representante sindical del Distrito 947 de la IAM, William “Billy” Corona, ayudó a dirigir la campaña de organización interna y apoyó al comité durante las negociaciones.

“Nuestros miembros construyeron la fuerza que hizo posible este acuerdo”, dijo Corona. “Hablaron con sus compañeros de trabajo, fortalecieron la unión dentro del astillero y le demostraron a la empresa que los constructores navales de NASSCO estaban preparados para mantenerse unidos. Esa unidad le dio al comité la fuerza necesaria para obtener mejoras concretas en la mesa de negociación”.

El comité negociador de la IAM incluyó a los trabajadores navales de NASSCO y miembros de la IAM Adrian Contreras, Stanley Huddleston y Armando Ybhoa, quienes llevaron las prioridades y experiencias de sus compañeros directamente a la mesa de negociación.

El equipo negociador también recibió el apoyo del organizador del Distrito 947 de la IAM, Alberto Delfin, quien desempeñó un papel clave en los esfuerzos de organización interna y movilización que fortalecieron la participación y la solidaridad de los miembros durante toda la campaña.

“Estamos orgullosos de lo que los trabajadores de NASSCO lograron juntos”, declaró el comité negociador. “Nuestros miembros dejaron claras sus prioridades, respaldaron a su comité y se mantuvieron unidos durante las negociaciones. Este contrato ofrece aumentos salariales sustanciales, mejores beneficios para la jubilación y mejoras importantes en las disposiciones contractuales que marcarán una diferencia real para nuestros miembros y sus familias”.

Los miembros de la IAM en NASSCO construyen buques auxiliares y de apoyo esenciales para la Marina de Estados Unidos, así como buques petroleros y de carga seca para el mercado comercial. Su trabajo altamente especializado respalda la defensa nacional y fortalece la industria naval del país.

El acuerdo ratificado refleja la creciente fuerza y solidaridad de los miembros de la Local 389 de la IAM y su compromiso de construir un futuro más sólido para cada trabajador de NASSCO.

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Dear IAM Family,

Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the generations of Latina and Latino workers whose skill, sacrifice, and solidarity have strengthened our union, our communities, and the entire labor movement.

Across the IAM, Latina and Latino members help build America, maintain our transportation systems, protect our communities, support essential public services, and perform countless other jobs that keep our nation moving. Their contributions are an important part of our union’s strength and our shared history.

The IAM has always understood that our union is strongest when every worker has the opportunity to be heard, participate, and lead. That commitment is reflected in programs such as the Spanish Leadership and Organizing Classes at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center. By providing education in Spanish, the IAM equips members with the skills and tools necessary to organize their workplaces, represent their coworkers, and become leaders at every level of our union.

We are also proud of the history made by IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes, the first Latina to serve in that position. Her trailblazing leadership continues to open doors and demonstrate what is possible when our union invests in the talents and leadership of all our members.

Our work also extends beyond the IAM. Through our support of organizations such as the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, or LCLAA, we help advance economic justice, political empowerment, and workplace dignity for Latino workers and their families. These partnerships strengthen the labor movement and ensure that the concerns of Latino communities remain central to our collective fight for justice.

In these challenging times, we must remember one of the labor movement’s most fundamental principles: an injury to one is an injury to all. When any worker or community is attacked, exploited or denied dignity, it affects all of us. Unions have a critical role in bridging the gaps that divide working people – whether those divisions are based on race, ethnicity, language, immigration status, or background. Through solidarity and collective action, we can bring people together around the values we share and build a future in which every worker has a fair opportunity to succeed.

While Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate progress, it is also a reminder of the work still ahead. Latina and Latino workers continue to face wage inequality, unsafe working conditions, discrimination and barriers to exercising their rights on the job. The IAM will continue organizing, educating and mobilizing to confront these injustices and ensure that every worker – regardless of language, background, or place of origin – has the opportunity to build a better future through a strong union contract.

To our Latina and Latino IAM members and their families: thank you for your leadership, your culture, your courage, and your solidarity. Your contributions make the IAM stronger every day.

Together, we will continue building a union in which every member has a voice, every worker is treated with dignity, and everyone has an opportunity to lead.

In solidarity,

Brian Bryant
IAM International President

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WICHITA, Kan., Sept. 15, 2026 —  Following Boeing’s reacquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, IAM Union Local 839 (IAM District 70) members voted Sept. 12, 2026 to pursue coverage under the IAM Union/Boeing Master Agreement as opposed to renegotiating the existing Spirit AeroSystems independent contract with Boeing, in January.

The vote was held to determine how IAM-represented workers in Wichita wish to proceed with their collective bargaining agreement as the two companies become one, again.

Spirit AeroSystems was part of Boeing until it was spun off in 2005. Before the spin-off, the Wichita location was covered under the IAM/Boeing Master Agreement alongside IAM-represented Boeing workers in the Pacific Northwest. After the spin-off, IAM members negotiated an independent contract between IAM District 70 and Spirit Aerosystems. Boeing reacquired Spirit in December 2025.

Today, more than 30,000 IAM-represented Boeing workers in Washington state, California, and Oregon are covered under the IAM/Boeing Master Agreement through IAM District 751 and District W24.

IAM District 70, District 751, District W24 and IAM Union leadership believe Wichita members have a right to pursue coverage under that Master Agreement. At the same time, IAM leadership believes the decision about the best path forward belongs to the membership.

“We have one goal in this process: to make sure our members have the information and the power to determine their own future,” said IAM District 70 Directing Business Representative Lisa Whitley. “This vote gave IAM Local 839 members the opportunity to make that decision. They chose to pursue their entitlement to the IAM’s Master Agreement with Boeing, and the full strength and resources of the IAM Union stand behind them.”

IAM representatives have conducted 10 town hall meetings to answer members’ questions and explain the differences between the current IAM District 70/Spirit agreement and the IAM District 751 and District W24/Boeing Master Agreement. 

The current Spirit agreement expires in June 2027, and negotiations were scheduled to begin in January 2027. Now, the IAM will seek for IAM District 70 (Local 839) members to be included in the existing Master Agreement the union has with Boeing. Boeing has indicated that it does not consider District 70 to be part of the Master Agreement between IAM Union Districts 751 and W24 and Boeing, despite the IAM’s position that specific language in the collective bargaining agreement supports Wichita workers’ claim to inclusion. 

With the results of this vote, if the company refuses, the union will proceed through the grievance process and possibly to binding arbitration.

An arbitration could take from six months to two years. If a decision is not reached before the current Spirit agreement expires, the IAM Union will engage with Boeing to protect the membership until it is resolved.

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Approximately 70 civilian aircraft mechanics employed by Strategic Technology Institute, Inc. (STI) at Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, N.C., have joined the IAM Union through voluntary recognition.

A strong majority of the workers supported joining the IAM, leading STI to sign a voluntary recognition agreement recognizing the IAM as their exclusive collective bargaining representative.

The aircraft mechanics joined together to improve their working conditions and secure the protections, benefits, and voice that come with a strong union contract.

“This victory belongs to the STI aircraft mechanics who stood together and made it clear that they wanted a voice on the job,” said IAM Western Territory Assistant Organizing Coordinator Joe Solis. “We are proud to welcome them into the IAM family.”

STI provides mission-critical engineering, logistics, maintenance, cybersecurity and technical support services to the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies.

“Voluntary recognition gives workers a direct path to securing union representation when a clear majority has chosen to stand together,” said IAM Organizing Director Mike Evans. “Our team is ready to support them as they move toward negotiating a strong first agreement.”

The organizing victory continues the IAM’s long-standing commitment to representing highly skilled workers who support the nation’s military readiness and national security at installations across the United States.

“Organizing is about listening to workers, understanding the issues they face and helping them build the collective power to make lasting improvements,” said IAM Assistant Organizing Director Juan Eldridge. “The STI aircraft mechanics stayed focused and united, and now they will have a seat at the table to negotiate over their wages, benefits, and working conditions.”

Solis, who led the organizing effort, will also serve as the IAM’s lead representative during negotiations for the mechanics’ first collective bargaining agreement with STI. The Organizing Department’s continued involvement will provide consistency as the workers move from organizing their workplace to establishing their priorities and securing their first union contract.

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2026 – The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) has filed an application with the National Mediation Board (NMB) seeking a union representation election for more than 120 JSX inflight crew members.

The filing marks an important step in the workers’ campaign to gain a stronger voice on the job and a seat at the table. JSX inflight crew members are seeking union representation to address concerns, including below-industry-standard wages and benefits, inadequate staffing and scheduling, and a lack of clearly defined job duties, among other workplace issues.

“JSX Inflight crew members know what needs to change in their workplace, and they are coming together to make it happen,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “They work hard, take care of passengers and play a critical role in keeping the airline running. The IAM is ready to stand with them and help them win the improvements they deserve.”

Earlier this year, JSX ramp workers also filed for a union representation election as part of their efforts to improve working conditions and secure a voice on the job.

“This organizing push also demonstrates the growing momentum among JSX workers who are coming together to shape a better future,” continued Johnsen. 

The NMB oversees union representation elections in the airline and railroad industries under the Railway Labor Act.

The IAM Union is the largest airline union in North America, representing tens of thousands of workers at every major U.S. airline.

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IAM Union International President Brian Bryant has appointed Rachel Gumpert as the IAM’s Assistant Communications Director, effective Sept. 8, 2026.

Gumpert has a lifelong passion for labor justice, and has spent the past 16 years working in some of the most high-profile fights in the labor movement. This includes serving as National Press Secretary for UNITE HERE during the historic national Marriott strike in 2018, lobbying on behalf of AFSCME International to win collective bargaining rights for 40,000 Nevada state employees, and directing communications for the largest nurses’ union in the Pacific Northwest during the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic. 

Most recently, she worked in private practice performing crisis communications for the largest statewide education union in Oregon, managing all union strike, crisis, and strike-track communications across nearly 200 school districts as well as directing the union’s statewide response to ICE raids that targeted schools. 

“Her hard-charging work ethic and unwavering integrity are Rachel’s calling card,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “As the IAM Union continues to grow and advance justice for our members, having her leadership and public relations talents and experience in our arsenal will be a powerful addition.” 

Gumpert has been a strong admirer of IAM Union since she first began working in coalition with them and the IAM Communications Department in 2017, during her time at UNITE HERE. Her IAM connections run deep – she also spent the past four years helping to direct communications for the successful, historic IAM campaign to unionize rideshare drivers in Massachusetts, and helped lead communications for IAM’s groundbreaking Pharmacy Guild campaign until several years ago. 

“Rachel is a battle-tested campaigner with a lifelong passion for worker rights whose experience taking on some of the biggest employers and toughest fights primed her well to succeed at the IAM,” said IAM Union Communications Director Jonathan Battaglia. “With her extensive strike, crisis, and national negotiations experience, Rachel will continue to increase our ability to successfully beat back any challenges our members face and grow our power.”

“The IAM is one of the most inspiring unions in North America, and I’m thrilled to be part of the historical legacy and righteous mission of this union,” said Gumpert. “The IAM has repeatedly demonstrated that when we aim higher and think outside the box, we can transform lives for working people. I’m profoundly honored to join this talented Communications Department, and to be able to help win fights and raise standards for IAM members – and future members – across the U.S. and Canada.”

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IAM Local 62A has officially opened contract negotiations with Collins Aerospace in Cheshire, Conn., as IAM members prepare to bargain for a strong agreement that recognizes the skill, experience, and contributions of their workforce.

The Local 62A negotiating committee is entering bargaining united and prepared, with committee members recently completing contract negotiation preparation training at the IAM’s William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center.

IAM members at Collins Aerospace perform highly skilled work that is essential to the company’s success, manufacturing gyroscopes for defense and a multitude of applications.

Now, the negotiating committee is focused on securing a contract that reflects the value of that work and addresses the priorities of the membership.

“Our members at Local 62A have built their careers on skill, precision, and dedication to their work,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “As they enter these negotiations, they should know that their union stands firmly behind them. They have earned a contract that recognizes their contributions, and the IAM Union will be there every step of the way as they fight for the wages, benefits, protections, and future they deserve.”

As bargaining gets underway, the negotiating committee is focused on building a strong contract campaign, keeping members informed and engaged, and making sure the priorities of the workforce remain front and center at the bargaining table.

“Strong bargaining starts with strong solidarity,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “Local 62A has taken the time to prepare, establish clear priorities, and bring its members together around the work ahead. When a negotiating committee and its membership stand united, they send a powerful message that they are ready to fight for a contract that respects the value of their work.”

The committee’s recent training at the Winpisinger Center provided hands-on preparation in bargaining strategy, contract campaign planning, legal issues, and member engagement. The training also brought committee members together with Winpisinger Center instructors, IAM Strategic Resources, Communications, and other IAM resources to develop bargaining goals and strategies tailored to the issues facing Local 62A members.

“Preparation gives a negotiating committee the confidence and discipline to walk into the bargaining room ready for the challenges ahead,” said IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “Local 62A’s committee has put in the work to understand the bargaining process and prepare around the priorities of its membership. Now, they are ready to take that preparation to the table and make sure the voices of their fellow members are heard.”

IAM District 26 leadership emphasized that the strength of the negotiations will ultimately depend on the involvement of the entire membership.

“This committee knows that the priorities being brought to the bargaining table come directly from the members who do this work every day,” said IAM District 26 Directing Business Representative Jeff Santini. “Our job is to make sure those priorities are represented clearly and forcefully throughout negotiations. The more engaged our membership is, the stronger position we have to secure an agreement that reflects what these members have earned.”

Local 62A leadership also stressed that negotiations are about more than what happens inside the bargaining room.

“Every member has a role to play as we move through these negotiations,” said Local 62A President Noel Rodriguez. “We are asking our members to stay informed, stay involved, and stand together. A strong contract campaign is built by the membership, and our unity will be one of our greatest strengths throughout this process.”

IAM Aerospace Coordinator Stephen Jordan said Local 62A’s preparation reflects the importance of the work its members perform throughout the aerospace industry.

“Local 62A members understand that the work they perform requires knowledge, precision, and a commitment to quality,” said Jordan. “Those contributions matter to Collins Aerospace, and they should matter at the bargaining table. This committee has prepared itself to clearly present the priorities of its membership and to negotiate with the determination and professionalism that IAM members bring to their jobs every day.”

IAM District 26 Business Representative Dianna Koch emphasized the importance of ensuring the contract recognizes the skill and contributions of Local 62A members.

“Our members at Collins Aerospace perform highly skilled work that is essential to the company’s success, and they deserve a contract that reflects that contribution,” said Koch. “The training provided at the Winpisinger Center gives our negotiating committee the tools, confidence, and strategic preparation needed to advocate effectively for our members. We are committed to securing an agreement that delivers meaningful improvements and protects the interests of the workforce for years to come.”

With contract negotiations now underway, IAM Local 62A members are standing together and ready to fight for a strong agreement that recognizes their contributions, protects their future, and rewards the skilled work they perform every day.

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The IAM Union is proud to endorse Democratic nominee David Jolly for governor and former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham for lieutenant governor of Florida. IAM Florida State Council President Mike Phillips personally presented the union’s endorsement to Graham during the IAM’s Florida State Council meeting in Orlando.

“The IAM is proud to stand with David Jolly and Gwen Graham because they understand the challenges facing working families across Florida,” said IAM Union Florida State Council President Mike Phillips. “Our union represents thousands of Floridians who power NASA operations, keep our airlines flying, build and maintain cutting-edge aerospace technology, work in the sugar industry and help drive many other critical sectors of Florida’s economy. These hardworking men and women deserve leaders who will protect good union jobs, defend the freedom to organize and bargain collectively, invest in Florida’s workforce and make it easier for families to build a secure future. David and Gwen know that Florida succeeds when working people have a meaningful voice in the decisions affecting their jobs, families and communities. IAM members across our state are ready to organize, mobilize and help elect the Jolly-Graham ticket this November.”

The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across North America.

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2026 — Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) and IAM Union Canadian Territory General Vice President David Chartrand issued the following statement in response to the collapse of U.S. and Canadian trade talks, coupled with steep tariff increases:

“As a result of President Trump’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on numerous Canadian goods—and further threats by administration officials to ‘ban’ Canadian goods—Prime Minister Carney announced that Canada will match the incoming U.S. tariffs ‘dollar for dollar.’ These new targeted counter tariffs are concentrated in sectors such as steel and aluminum, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and steel and aluminum—all industries that directly affect IAM members and their jobs.

“This administration’s decision to continue escalating attacks against Canada, and the resulting trade war that will ensue, is deeply harmful to working families on both sides of the border—with no winners. The threat to thousands of workers’ jobs will not help address the affordability crisis, nor will it ensure domestic manufacturing increases for the benefit of workers on either side of the border.  

“This administration must, now more than ever, listen to labor and working people to develop a trade policy that centers U.S. and Canadian workers and brings the parties back from destructive brinksmanship.”

The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.

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