The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) participated in a recent briefing with labor experts and Congressional allies to highlight worker-focused reforms needed in the ongoing review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The session aimed to inform Congressional staff about labor priorities and emphasize the need for a trade agreement that protects jobs in the United States.
Participants noted that, although USMCA improved upon its predecessor NAFTA, there are still concerns about wage disparities, enforcement challenges, and foreign exploitation affecting American workers. During the briefing, speakers called for several changes. These included strengthening Rules of Origin to reduce offshoring, closing loopholes that enable Chinese transshipment and final assembly through Mexico, enhancing enforcement tools such as the Rapid Response Mechanism, addressing wage gaps that encourage job relocation, and protecting key manufacturing sectors like aerospace, automotive, steel, and aluminum.
Peter Greenberg, IAM Union International Affairs Director, focused on the aerospace industry’s vulnerability due to its integrated supply chain 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 addressed concerns over China’s use of Mexico as a gateway for tariff-free goods into the United States. “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 that could affect jobs related to Boeing, Airbus, and domestic jet engine manufacturing. Greenberg referenced China’s advancement in commercial aviation with projects like the COMAC C919 and efforts supported by Belt and Road financing.
Other speakers at the event included U.S. Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee; Riley Ohlson from AFL-CIO; Roy Houseman from United Steelworkers; and Christopher Zatratz from United Auto Workers.
