The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) recently participated in a briefing with labor experts and members of Congress to highlight key worker-focused reforms needed during the review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The event aimed to inform Congressional staff about ongoing challenges affecting U.S. jobs, including wage disparities, enforcement weaknesses, and foreign exploitation.
Labor representatives called for strengthening the agreement’s Rules of Origin to prevent companies from moving jobs overseas. They also urged lawmakers to address loopholes that allow Chinese goods to enter the United States through Mexico by means such as transshipment and final assembly. In addition, speakers advocated for more robust labor enforcement mechanisms, such as expanding the Rapid Response Mechanism, reducing wage gaps that encourage job relocation, and protecting vital manufacturing sectors like aerospace, automotive, steel, and aluminum.
Peter Greenberg, IAM Union International Affairs Director, emphasized concerns about the aerospace industry’s vulnerability due to its interconnected supply chain between the United States 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 risks associated with China exploiting USMCA provisions. “China is using Mexico as a transshipment location,” he said. “It allows goods to be repackaged and essentially enter the United States tariff-free.” He added that Mexico could become a final assembly site for Chinese aerospace products—a development that could jeopardize jobs linked to Boeing, Airbus, and domestic jet engine manufacturers. Greenberg referenced China’s growing presence in commercial aviation with projects like the COMAC C919 and highlighted concerns over Belt and Road financing potentially undermining North American production.
Other speakers at the briefing included U.S. 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.