The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) participated in a recent briefing with labor experts and members of Congress to discuss labor priorities in the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The event aimed to inform Congressional staff about ongoing challenges facing workers under the current trade agreement.
Speakers at the briefing pointed out that, although USMCA brought improvements over its predecessor NAFTA, issues such as wage disparities, weak enforcement mechanisms, and increased foreign exploitation continue to threaten jobs in the United States. Labor representatives emphasized the need for reforms that would prioritize workers’ interests.
Key proposals discussed included tightening Rules of Origin to reduce offshoring, addressing loopholes that allow Chinese goods to be transshipped or assembled in Mexico before entering the U.S. market tariff-free, expanding enforcement tools like the Rapid Response Mechanism, reducing wage gaps that drive job relocation, and protecting vital manufacturing sectors such as aerospace, automotive, steel, and aluminum.
Aerospace was highlighted as a particularly vulnerable sector due to its interconnected supply chains between the U.S. and Canada. IAM Union International Affairs Director Peter Greenberg stated: “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.”
Greenberg also expressed concern about China’s use of Mexico as a transshipment point for goods entering the United States without tariffs. “China is using Mexico as a transshipment location,” Greenberg said. “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 he said could jeopardize jobs related to major manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus as well as U.S. jet engine production.
Greenberg referenced China’s expansion into commercial aviation with projects like COMAC C919 and noted how Belt and Road financing could intensify competition against North American industry.
Other speakers at the briefing included Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.), AFL-CIO Legislative Representative Riley Ohlson, United Steelworkers Legislative Director Roy Houseman, and United Auto Workers Legislative Representative Christopher Zatratz.
