The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) joined the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) and other unions in a rally urging the U.S. Senate to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act (PAWA). The legislation aims to restore collective bargaining rights for federal workers across the country.
Union leaders, federal employees, and elected officials gathered at the event following the bill’s approval in the House of Representatives. Among those speaking were NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), and other labor advocates.
“We have this essential piece of legislation, which passed the House and is now waiting for action in the Senate,” said Erwin. “This bill would protect the U.S. Constitution and the First Amendment rights of American workers by reversing an unconstitutional executive order that stripped more than one million federal employees of their right to collectively bargain.”
The Protect America’s Workforce Act seeks to overturn an executive order issued on March 27, 2025, by then-President Donald Trump that removed collective bargaining rights from federal workers. According to union representatives, this order negatively affected over one million civil servants by limiting their ability to negotiate workplace conditions.
Federal employees are responsible for maintaining public safety, national security, and delivering key services nationwide. Supporters argue that restoring collective bargaining rights will help ensure safe workplaces, fair treatment, and effective service delivery.
The IAM Union has expressed its continued support for NFFE-IAM and all federal workers as they call on senators to approve PAWA without delay.
Rally organizers encouraged federal workers and supporters to contact their senators about voting in favor of restoring these protections.
