The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) recently participated in a briefing with labor experts and Congressional allies to highlight labor priorities in the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The session aimed to inform Congressional staff and leaders about reforms needed to ensure the trade agreement better supports workers.
Speakers at the event noted that while USMCA marked an improvement over its predecessor, NAFTA, there are ongoing issues. They pointed out persistent wage gaps, insufficient enforcement measures, and increasing foreign exploitation as factors that continue to threaten U.S. jobs.
During the briefing, participants discussed several key labor priorities. These included tightening Rules of Origin to reduce offshoring, closing loopholes that allow Chinese goods to be shipped through Mexico for tariff-free entry into the United States, enhancing enforcement tools such as the Rapid Response Mechanism, addressing wage disparities that drive job relocation, and safeguarding strategic manufacturing sectors like aerospace, automotive, steel, and aluminum.
A significant part of the discussion centered on concerns within the aerospace sector. IAM Union International Affairs Director Peter Greenberg emphasized the risks facing this industry due to its strong ties between U.S. and Canadian manufacturers.
“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 route for transshipping goods into 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 warned that Mexico could become a final assembly site for Chinese aerospace products—a development he said could put jobs related to Boeing, Airbus, and U.S. jet engine manufacturing at risk. Greenberg cited China’s expansion in commercial aviation with projects like COMAC C919 and investments under Belt and Road financing as efforts that could challenge North American production.
Other speakers at the briefing included Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.), AFL-CIO Legislative Representative Riley Ohlson, United Steelworkers Legislative Director Roy Houseman, and United Auto Workers Legislative Representative Christopher Zatratz.
