Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), has issued a statement following a recent Supreme Court decision regarding tariffs and trade policy.
Bryant criticized the use of sudden tariff decisions, especially those affecting allies such as Canada. He stated, “Arbitrary, snap tariff decisions—especially those targeting close allies like Canada—create uncertainty that endangers jobs in highly interdependent industries such as aerospace and manufacturing, raises prices for consumers, and makes it harder for businesses and workers to plan for the future. That instability also complicates collective bargaining, where predictability is essential to securing strong contracts and long-term job security.”
He noted that while the IAM Union supports targeted tariffs as part of broader efforts to protect workers from unfair global competition and labor rights violations, he emphasized the importance of proper legislative authority over such measures. “The Supreme Court decision reinforces the U.S. Constitution’s clear assignment of authority to Congress to impose tariffs on foreign imports. Trade policy must be grounded in that framework and carried out with care,” Bryant said.
Bryant expressed concern about who bears the cost of these tariffs: “It is deeply troubling that throughout this process, it has been our members and everyday consumers who have shouldered the burden of these illegally imposed tariffs, while the very corporations that bankrolled this administration may now be first in line for rebates. Workers paid the price, so they should be the first ones to see relief.”
He concluded by stating, “Trade policy should strengthen manufacturing and workers—not create unnecessary economic chaos.”
The IAM Union represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members working across North America in sectors including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railways, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive production, among others.
