The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) participated in a recent briefing with labor experts and members of Congress to highlight key labor concerns during the review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The session was organized to inform Congressional staff and leaders about the need for reforms that prioritize workers within the trade agreement.
Participants noted that while USMCA improved on its predecessor, NAFTA, issues such as wage disparities, weak enforcement measures, and increased foreign exploitation continue to threaten jobs in the United States.
During the briefing, several priorities were discussed. These included strengthening Rules of Origin provisions to prevent offshoring, addressing loopholes that enable Chinese goods to be shipped through Mexico for tariff-free entry into the U.S., expanding labor enforcement mechanisms like the Rapid Response Mechanism, narrowing wage differences between countries, and protecting critical manufacturing sectors such as aerospace, automotive, steel, and aluminum.
Aerospace was identified as a sector facing significant risk. IAM Union International Affairs Director Peter Greenberg 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.” He emphasized that failure to address these vulnerabilities could result in permanent job losses.
Greenberg also expressed concern over China’s use of Mexico as a route for goods entering the U.S. 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 further warned that Mexico could become a final assembly point for Chinese aerospace products—a development he believes would endanger jobs linked to Boeing, Airbus, and jet engine manufacturing in North America. Greenberg referenced China’s commercial aviation ambitions with aircraft like the COMAC C919 and highlighted how Belt and Road Initiative financing puts pressure on regional production.
Other speakers at the event included U.S. Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.), who serves as 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.
