The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is urging the U.S. Senate to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act (H.R. 2550, S. 2837), following its approval in the House of Representatives by a vote of 231-195. The proposed legislation seeks to restore collective bargaining rights for federal employees affected by a recent executive order that removed these rights from about 75 percent of the federal workforce.
The bill 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 legislation in the Senate, which currently has 48 cosponsors, including two Republicans.
In a letter to senators, IAM International President Brian Bryant stated: “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.”
IAM contends that the executive order undermines collective bargaining rights that have historically contributed to workplace protections and efficient public service delivery. The union represents thousands of federal employees nationwide through affiliates such as the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), which includes around 110,000 members.
Supporters say that bipartisan backing in the House signals increasing support for reinstating collective bargaining rights for federal workers. IAM is calling on the Senate to move quickly on passing the Protect America’s Workforce Act to ensure stability and fairness for federal employees.
