Machinists Union Supports Bill to Toughen Safety Rules for Foreign Repair Stations
GoIAM.org
17 June 2022
Washington, June 16, 2022 – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) applauds the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for approving the Global Aircraft Maintenance Safety Improvement Act (H.R. 7321).

The panel’s action advances the legislation for full House floor consideration of DeFazio’s bill, which would include measures such as unannounced FAA inspections of foreign repair stations, and set minimum qualifications for mechanics and other workers, including drug testing and background checks.
“Our hard-working members take pride in making sure their work at carriers such as American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and others focuses on safety regulations set by the federal government,” said IAM Air Transport General Vice President Richard Johnsen. “It’s only fair that their counterparts working at facilities overseas abide by such high U.S. standards.”
The IAM is the largest airline union in North America, representing over 100,000 airline workers.
“I want to thank Chairman DeFazio for introducing this very important legislation that will help ensure airline passenger safety is a top priority globally,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr. “The lack of uniform regulatory standards and oversight sets an unlevel field with carriers increasingly enticed by the financial incentives to push this work overseas. This results in job losses in the U.S. and risks passenger safety.”
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 900 aircraft maintenance and repair stations have been certified by the FAA outside the U.S., which includes countries such as China, Singapore, and Brazil.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of the largest and most diverse industrial trade unions in North America, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
Related News
United Ground Express Negotiations Update (23 June 2025)
Over the week of June 16—20, our IAM District 141 negotiating team met in Chicago with United Ground Express management. We worked to advance the remaining sections of our first collective-bargaining agreement. We are pleased to report continued forward movement and...
United Airlines Negotiations Update 17 June
Last week in Chicago, our IAM District 141 team met with United management to resume work on all seven collective-bargaining agreements. The Fleet Technical Instructor (FTI) and Security Officer sub-committees were also present and submitted updated proposals.United...
Four Tips for Writing (and Winning) Scholarship Essay Contests
Four Tips for Writing (and Winning) Scholarship Essay ContestsYou don’t need to be the best writer in the world to win a scholarship. You just need to follow a few smart rules, speak from the heart, and—this part is important—show up. Here are four ways to give...