The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) recently participated in a briefing with labor experts and Congressional representatives to highlight worker-focused reforms needed in the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The event aimed to inform lawmakers about key labor priorities and ongoing risks facing American workers under the current trade framework.
Speakers at the briefing noted that, although USMCA marked an improvement over its predecessor NAFTA, significant issues remain. They pointed out that wage disparities, insufficient enforcement measures, and increasing foreign exploitation continue to threaten jobs in the United States.
Among the main priorities discussed were efforts to strengthen Rules of Origin to limit offshoring, address loopholes enabling Chinese transshipment and final assembly through Mexico, expand labor enforcement mechanisms such as the Rapid Response Mechanism, reduce wage gaps that encourage companies to relocate jobs abroad, and protect critical manufacturing sectors like aerospace, automotive, steel, and aluminum.
Peter Greenberg, IAM Union International Affairs Director, emphasized concerns regarding vulnerabilities in the aerospace sector. He said: “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 warned about China’s use of Mexico as a gateway for goods entering the U.S. market without tariffs. “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 further cautioned that Mexico could become a site for final assembly of Chinese aerospace products—a development he argued would jeopardize jobs connected to major manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus as well as U.S.-based jet engine production. Greenberg referenced China’s advancement in commercial aviation with projects like COMAC C919 and its use of Belt and Road financing strategies to challenge North American manufacturing.
Other speakers 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.
