The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is urging the U.S. Senate to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act, following its recent approval in the House of Representatives. The legislation, identified as H.R. 2550 in the House and S. 2837 in the Senate, seeks to restore collective bargaining rights for federal workers that were removed by a recent executive order.
The bill passed the House with a vote of 231-195. It was introduced 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 addressed 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,” wrote Bryant in the letter. “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 maintains that the executive order undermines collective bargaining rights that have supported 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 counts approximately 110,000 members.
According to IAM officials, bipartisan support in the House signals momentum toward reversing what they describe as an unjust removal of these rights. The union continues to call on senators to act promptly on behalf of federal workers.
