WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2025 – Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union, issued this statement on incoming President Trump’s recent remarks about outsourcing domestic Navy shipbuilding to foreign nations:
“As International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and a former pipefitter at Bath Iron Works (BIW), I express deep concern about any discussion to outsource Navy shipbuilding to foreign nations.
“We know that American workers and domestic shipyards have the talent and capacity to meet our national defense needs if given proper investment and support.
“The incoming administration must prioritize rebuilding the U.S. industrial base by addressing the skilled labor shortages and backlog in shipyards, not by turning to foreign builders and suppliers.
“A strong domestic shipbuilding industry is essential to economic and national security in an era of increasing geopolitical tensions. Maine shipbuilders have been at the forefront of innovation and excellence for over 400 years, consistently delivering vessels that meet the rigorous standards of the U.S. Navy.
“Our nation’s security and economy depend on a strong domestic shipbuilding industry, and IAM members stand ready to build the ships America needs.
“We look forward to engaging with the new administration to help strengthen American shipbuilding and secure our defense industrial base here at home.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
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