Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), has responded to a recent Supreme Court decision regarding tariff authority. The IAM Union represents around 600,000 active and retired members in industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, and automotive across North America.
Bryant stated: “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 continued: “The IAM Union has long supported the use of targeted tariffs as one tool in a broader toolbox to protect workers from bad global actors who violate labor and human rights and undercut fair competition.”
Addressing the Supreme Court’s ruling directly, Bryant said: “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 criticized how past tariff policies have affected union members: “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: “Trade policy should strengthen manufacturing and workers—not create unnecessary economic chaos.”
