The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) joined labor experts and members of Congress in a recent briefing to highlight worker-focused reforms needed in the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The event aimed to inform Congressional staff about ongoing concerns regarding wage disparities, enforcement issues, and foreign exploitation that continue to threaten jobs in the United States.
During the session, participants discussed several labor priorities. These included strengthening Rules of Origin to prevent companies from moving production overseas, closing loopholes that enable Chinese goods to enter the U.S. market through Mexico, enhancing labor enforcement tools such as the Rapid Response Mechanism, addressing wage differences that encourage job relocation, and protecting key manufacturing sectors like aerospace, automotive, steel, and aluminum.
Peter Greenberg, IAM Union International Affairs Director, emphasized the risks facing the aerospace industry due to its close ties between the U.S. and Canada. “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,” said Greenberg.
Greenberg also pointed out how China is taking advantage of existing loopholes in USMCA. “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 noted that Mexico could become a final assembly site for Chinese aerospace products—a development he warned could jeopardize jobs at companies like Boeing and Airbus as well as U.S. jet engine manufacturers. Greenberg referenced China’s expansion into commercial aviation with projects such as COMAC C919 and highlighted how Belt and Road financing could intensify competition against North American producers.
Other speakers at the briefing included Representative Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.), AFL-CIO Legislative Representative Riley Ohlson, United Steelworkers Legislative Director Roy Houseman, and United Auto Workers Legislative Representative Christopher Zatratz.
