The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) joined the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) and other unions at a rally urging the U.S. Senate to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act (PAWA). The event brought together union leaders, federal employees, and lawmakers to call for action after the bill passed in the House of Representatives.
Speakers at the rally included NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), and other labor advocates. According to Erwin, “We have this essential piece of legislation, which passed the House and is now waiting for action in the Senate. This bill would protect the U.S. Constitution and the First Amendment rights of American workers by reversing an unconstitutional executive order that stripped more than one million federal employees of their right to collectively bargain.”
The PAWA aims to overturn an executive order issued on March 27, 2025, by President Donald Trump that removed collective bargaining rights from federal workers. Union representatives argue that this order weakened protections for civil servants and limited their ability to advocate for workplace safety and fair treatment.
Federal employees are responsible for maintaining public safety, national security, and providing services across communities nationwide. Union officials stress that restoring collective bargaining rights is necessary to ensure these workers can effectively represent their interests on job-related issues.
The IAM Union has expressed its support for NFFE-IAM and all federal workers in pushing for immediate Senate approval of PAWA. The unions are encouraging federal employees and supporters to contact their senators in support of restoring collective bargaining rights through this legislation.
