Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), responded to a recent Supreme Court decision concerning the authority to impose tariffs. The IAM Union represents about 600,000 active and retired members in industries such as aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, and automotive across North America.
Bryant addressed the effects of sudden tariff decisions on workers and businesses. “Arbitrary, snap tariff decisions—especially those targeting close allies like Canada—create uncertainty that endangers jobs in highly interdependent industries such as aerospace and manufacturing, raises prices for consumers, and makes it harder for businesses and workers to plan for the future. That instability also complicates collective bargaining, where predictability is essential to securing strong contracts and long-term job security.”
He stated that while the union supports targeted tariffs as a way to protect workers from unfair global competition or labor rights violations, he emphasized the importance of following constitutional processes. “The Supreme Court decision reinforces the U.S. Constitution’s clear assignment of authority to Congress to impose tariffs on foreign imports. Trade policy must be grounded in that framework and carried out with care.”
Bryant also raised concerns about who bears the costs of tariff policies. “It is deeply troubling that throughout this process, it has been our members and everyday consumers who have shouldered the burden of these illegally imposed tariffs, while the very corporations that bankrolled this administration may now be first in line for rebates. Workers paid the price, so they should be the first ones to see relief.”
He concluded by stressing how trade policy should benefit workers: “Trade policy should strengthen manufacturing and workers—not create unnecessary economic chaos.”
