"Tariff Turmoil: IAM Union Sounds Alarm on Aerospace Supply Chain Crisis"

LISTEN UP, FOLKS! The IAM Union is sounding the alarm on a looming crisis in the aerospace industry. With tariffs changing faster than a New York minute, the heavily integrated supply chains between the United States and Canada are under threat. This is not just about numbers on a spreadsheet; this is about jobs, safety, and the future of aerospace manufacturing in North America.

IAM International Affairs Director Peter Greenberg recently dropped some serious knowledge on an expert panel webinar hosted by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). He laid it out plain and simple: the IAM represents over 100,000 aerospace workers in both the U.S. and Canada. These highly-skilled workers are the backbone of an industry that relies on seamless cross-border manufacturing and assembly. But now, with tariffs looming like a dark cloud, that relationship is at risk.

Greenberg didn’t mince words: “The supply chains in North America have become so integrated in aerospace that it would be very difficult for manufacturers to move to solely U.S.-based suppliers, or solely Canadian suppliers.” He’s right! The complexity of this supply chain is mind-boggling. It’s like trying to untangle a knot of spaghetti—impossible without breaking something.

And what about safety? Greenberg hit the nail on the head: “The supply chain and the established certification procedures that result in a safe aviation operating environment can’t just be replicated.” Replacing existing pieces of the supply chain from scratch would be time-consuming, expensive, and probably have a negative safety impact. We’re talking about lives here, folks! This is not a game.

The IAM Union has been crystal clear: they support the strategic use of tariffs against bad actors like China, who ignore trade rules and labor standards. But Canada? That’s a different story. IAM International President Brian Bryant and Canadian General Vice President David Chartrand put it bluntly: “Canada is not an adversary—it is one of our closest allies and largest trading partners.” They’re calling for a trade strategy that puts workers first, fosters long-term economic growth, and strengthens our manufacturing base on both sides of the border.

So, what’s the bottom line? The aerospace industry is on the brink of a supply chain crisis. Tariffs are disrupting the delicate balance that keeps our skies safe and our economies thriving. It’s time for action, folks! We need a comprehensive strategy that protects workers, ensures safety, and keeps North America competitive in the global aerospace market.

DO THIS! Reach out to your representatives and demand a sensible trade policy. Support the IAM Union’s call for strategic tariffs against bad actors, not our allies. And for the love of all that’s holy, let’s keep our skies safe and our workers employed.