Washington, D.C. (March 10, 2025) — Brent Booker, General President of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), and Vice President, Central and Eastern Canada Regional Manager, and Canadian Director Joseph S. Mancinelli made a joint statement on imposed U.S. tariffs:

The Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), with over half-a-million members, is a force for unity, strength, and perseverance, aiming to build the  middle class and secure stronger futures. Our members are the backbone of the United States and Canadian economies, contributing to energy, infrastructure, and community development.

 

Our mission transcends borders, a fight against one is a fight against all. Like the bridges our members build, we are committed to connecting our countries and protecting our members’ jobs, families, and communities.

 

While the strategic use of tariffs against competitors and enemies can incentivize manufacturing and create good jobs, the United States and Canada are neither. Our military and economic alliance has been built on centuries of friendship and is critical to both nations security and prosperity.

 

Currently, Canada faces a challenge as the U.S. Administration has imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian exports and 10% on Canadian energy. This unjustified move will directly affect LIUNA members and their families, creating barriers, jeopardizing projects, and adding burdensome red tape. Tariffs threaten national sovereignty and hinder the development of a strong, diverse economy.

 

LIUNA members are vital to North American security and prosperity. Instead of tariffs that harm both nations, we should strengthen our alliance through energy, infrastructure, resources, and trade, while investing in the people beneath the hard hats who serve our communities.

 

We must focus on enhancing our supply chain and creating good union jobs. Together, we should invest in the energy sector, rebuild manufacturing, and develop infrastructure that makes our countries stronger and more self-sufficient, and not run toward sweeping actions that can undermine our economies and our long-standing relationship. We hope that the implementation of the tariffs are reconsidered.

 

For over 120 years, LIUNA has been committed to building a stronger United States and Canada for today and tomorrow. Standing united, as we always have, our two countries and our members will win together.  

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The more than a half-million members of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – are on the forefront of the construction industry, a powerhouse of workers who are proud to build the U.S. and Canada.