The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has issued a statement criticizing reported threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to decertify Canadian-made aircraft and impose a 50% import tariff on aircraft produced in Canada. The union argues that such measures would disrupt the North American aerospace industry and endanger thousands of jobs in both countries.
The IAM highlighted the close integration between the U.S. and Canadian aerospace sectors, emphasizing that manufacturing and maintenance operations function as a single ecosystem across North America. The union pointed out that Bombardier, an aviation company based in Greater Montréal, Québec, employs about 3,000 workers in the United States and relies on nearly 2,800 U.S.-based suppliers. Many components used in Canadian-built aircraft are manufactured in the United States, with these planes operating regularly within U.S. airspace and supporting regional economies.
The union stated that using certification as a political tool is “unjustified and dangerous,” warning that such actions could lead to lengthy legal disputes and instability affecting jobs, investment, and confidence throughout the aviation sector.
“The aerospace industries in Canada and the United States are deeply interconnected,” said IAM Canadian General Vice President David Chartrand. “Any attack on Canadian aircraft harms both Canadian and American workers alike. Aircraft certification must remain independent and grounded in safety, not politics. Politically motivated decertification would create instability, threaten thousands of jobs on both sides of the border, and undermine the integrity of the aviation system we all depend on.”
IAM also noted the long-standing cooperation between Canada and the United States in aerospace manufacturing, safety oversight, and innovation. Disrupting this partnership could negatively affect workers, airlines, suppliers, and passengers.
“The IAM Union represents hundreds of thousands of members in the aerospace, defense, and other manufacturing sectors in both the U.S. and Canada,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Many IAM members work at companies that rely heavily on integrated supply chains between the U.S. and Canada. Any attack on this partnership will result in job losses, increased prices, and a variety of other negative impacts. The Trump administration should focus on closing the loopholes that continue to fuel the offshoring of aerospace, manufacturing, and other critical jobs across North America.”
The union called for decision-makers to maintain political neutrality regarding aviation safety certifications to protect workers’ interests.
IAM represents around 600,000 active and retired members across various industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad transit healthcare automotive sectors throughout North America.
