Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), responded to a recent Supreme Court decision regarding tariffs and trade policy. The IAM Union represents about 600,000 active and retired members in sectors such as aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, and automotive across North America.
Bryant expressed concern over the use of sudden tariff decisions that target close allies like 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 a broader strategy to protect workers from unfair global competition or human rights violations, trade policy should be implemented carefully. “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 criticized the impact of previously imposed tariffs on union members and consumers: “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 emphasizing that trade policies should benefit manufacturing workers rather than cause economic instability: “Trade policy should strengthen manufacturing and workers—not create unnecessary economic chaos.”
