The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) recently participated in a briefing with labor experts and members of Congress to discuss worker-focused reforms in the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The event aimed to inform Congressional staff about labor priorities and highlight concerns over ongoing wage disparities, weak enforcement measures, and foreign exploitation that threaten American jobs.
During the session, speakers emphasized several key issues. They called for stronger Rules of Origin to prevent companies from moving jobs overseas, advocated for closing loopholes that allow Chinese goods to be shipped through Mexico into the United States without tariffs, and urged improvements to labor enforcement mechanisms such as the Rapid Response Mechanism. The group also stressed the importance of narrowing wage gaps that encourage companies to relocate jobs abroad and protecting critical manufacturing sectors like aerospace, automotive, steel, and aluminum.
Peter Greenberg, IAM Union International Affairs Director, focused on challenges facing the aerospace industry. He noted that this sector is particularly vulnerable due to its deep integration between the U.S. and Canada. “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,” said Greenberg.
Greenberg also expressed concern about China’s use of Mexico as a transit point for goods entering the United States without tariffs. “China is using Mexico as a transshipment location,” Greenberg continued. “It allows goods to be repackaged and essentially enter the United States tariff-free.” He added that Mexico could become a final assembly site for Chinese aerospace products, which would pose risks to jobs at companies like Boeing and Airbus as well as those involved in jet engine manufacturing. Greenberg pointed out China’s efforts in commercial aviation with projects like the COMAC C919 and investments linked to Belt and Road financing that may undermine North American production.
Other speakers included U.S. Representative Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.), AFL-CIO Legislative Representative Riley Ohlson, United Steelworkers Legislative Director Roy Houseman, and United Auto Workers Legislative Representative Christopher Zatratz.
