These are challenging times, but your union has your back.
With the announcement of Trump’s potential tariffs on Canadian goods and energy there may be economic hardships for Canadians in the days and months to come. But we know that Canadians are up to the challenge.
We also know that the views of the American President do not represent the views of all Americans. Our international colleagues at the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) have been working closely with me and the Society’s leadership team to coordinate our responses.
The IFPTE has issued a strong statement of support for Canadian workers and a condemnation of Trump’s misguided tariff policy.
IFPTE Stands in Solidarity with Our Union Siblings in Canada - Condemns Trump Tariffs on Canada
WASHINGTON, DC - International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) president, Matt Biggs, and secretary-treasurer, Gay Henson, issued the following joint statement in response to President Trump's imposition of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods and a 10% tariff on energy exported to the United States:
"IFPTE condemns the tariffs imposed on Canada by the Trump Administration. They are not only irresponsible and inexplicably punitive toward America's closest ally and neighbor, they will cause great economic harm to Canada's and America's working-class alike. Make no mistake, this action will cause steep inflation for everyday products that both Canadians and Americans rely on, result in questions as to whether- or-not the energy demands of the public will be met, particularly in the northeastern United States, and undermines many critical industries like steel and forestry that both of our nations national and homeland defense depend on.
"At the end of the day, tariffs imposed can be an important and legitimate tool for enhancing any nation’s industrial policy that supports good jobs, domestic manufacturing, environmental standards and the growth of strategic industries. The Trump Administration's irresponsible and irrational imposition of tariffs and the accompanying hostile rhetoric to Canadian sovereignty represent the narrow interests and views of those in leadership of this Administration, not the wishes of working people in the U.S. nor the IFPTE members in the U.S. who stand in unity with IFPTE members in Canada.
“IFPTE insists that Congress exercise its power of the purse strings by blocking the administration's ability to impose these tariffs as a part of the funding bill they have to pass by March 14th when the current funding law sunsets."
I know that conversations between the Canadian and American governments are continuing, and we hope that common sense will prevail beyond the 30-day pause. But make no mistake, we are preparing for the worst, and we are prepared to support the membership no matter what comes.
Later this month, I will be travelling to Washington, D.C., to attend the Green Ribbon Panel on bi-national economic and energy security in advance of the National Governors’ Association Conference. This will allow the Society to be part of important economic conversations with American Governors and other politicians at the State level, where we know there is some resistance to Trump’s proposed tariffs.
The strongest safety net that a worker can have is their union card, and nowhere is that more true than for Society members. Your union stands ready to protect your jobs and your livelihoods no matter what economic conditions we face.
We are up for the challenge, and we will always have your back.
