The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is urging the U.S. Senate to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act, following its approval by the House of Representatives with a 231-195 vote. The legislation aims to restore collective bargaining rights to federal employees affected by an executive order that removed those rights from about 75 percent of the federal workforce.
The bill was introduced in the House by Representatives Jared Golden (D-Maine) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), while Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) introduced companion legislation in the Senate, which currently has 48 cosponsors, including two Republicans.
In a letter to senators, IAM International President Brian Bryant stated: “The IAM is a strong advocate for workers’ rights and firmly believes this EO is blatantly illegal. This EO is an assault on the rights and job security for federal workers caring for our veterans, keeping our military ready, adjudicating passport applications, caring for our public lands, and performing countless other essential public services.”
IAM argues that the executive order undermines collective bargaining—a process seen as vital for workplace protections and efficient public service delivery. The union represents thousands of federal employees nationwide through affiliates such as the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), which includes about 110,000 members.
The bipartisan support in the House reflects increasing momentum to reverse what IAM describes as unjust removal of bargaining rights for federal workers. The union is calling on senators to act quickly on behalf of fairness and stability within the federal workforce.
