The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is urging the U.S. Senate to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act, legislation that aims to restore collective bargaining rights for federal workers affected by a recent executive order. The bill, identified as H.R. 2550 in the House and S. 2837 in the Senate, passed the House of Representatives with a bipartisan vote of 231-195.
According to IAM International President Brian Bryant, “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.”
The legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Jared Golden (D-Maine) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), while Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) sponsored the companion bill in the Senate. The Senate version currently has 48 cosponsors, including two Republicans.
IAM maintains that the executive order undermines collective bargaining rights that have historically protected workplace conditions and ensured efficient delivery of public services. The union represents thousands of federal employees nationwide through its affiliate, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), which counts approximately 110,000 members.
IAM officials state that momentum from the bipartisan House vote should prompt swift action from senators to approve the measure and secure protections for federal workers.
