The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union, along with the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) and other federal worker unions, participated in a rally urging the U.S. Senate to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act (PAWA). The event followed the bill’s approval in the House of Representatives and aimed to restore collective bargaining rights for federal employees.
Union leaders, federal workers, and elected officials attended the rally. Speakers included NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), as well as other labor advocates. According to Erwin, “We have this essential piece of legislation, which passed the House and is now waiting for action in the Senate. 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 PAWA seeks to overturn an executive order issued on March 27, 2025, by former President Donald Trump that removed collective bargaining rights from federal workers. Supporters of the bill argue that restoring these rights is necessary to allow civil servants to advocate for workplace safety, fair treatment, and effective public service.
Federal employees are encouraged by union leaders to contact their senators and support passage of PAWA.
