The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has called on the U.S. Senate to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act, which seeks to restore collective bargaining rights for federal employees.
IAM International President Brian Bryant addressed both chambers of Congress in letters urging support for the bipartisan bill, known as H.R. 2550. The legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Jared Golden (D-ME) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and has received backing from members of both parties.
According to IAM, collective bargaining rights were ended for federal unions following an executive order issued by President Donald Trump on March 27. The union described this action as an attack on civil servants and their workplace rights.
“IAM Union strongly supports the Protect America’s Workforce Act for restoring collective bargaining rights to the nation’s federal workforce,” said the organization in a statement.
Federal workers are described by IAM as essential public servants who should have the right to collective bargaining, which they say provides workplace protections and helps improve service to the public.
IAM represents thousands of federal employees, including those affiliated with the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), which represents about 110,000 federal workers across the country.
