Federal employees and federal contract workers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) are facing uncertainty as a potential government shutdown looms on October 1, 2025. The union has voiced concern over the recurring threat of shutdowns, emphasizing the impact on its members and their families.
In a statement to its members, IAM criticized the use of federal workers as leverage in political negotiations. “The IAM strongly urges a bipartisan funding solution, negotiated in good faith between Democrats and Republicans, to prevent a shutdown. A shutdown is unjust, cruel, and devastating to working families and we will never stand by while our members are used as leverage for political gain. The IAM also strongly condemns the White House’s threat to use a shutdown as a means to justify illegally firing scores of federal workers.”
IAM and its affiliate, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), represent more than 110,000 federal workers across the United States. The union highlighted that previous shutdowns have had significant consequences for both federal employees and contractors. During the 35-day government shutdown in early 2019, over one million federal contract workers went without pay.
To address this issue, IAM is supporting legislative efforts in Congress aimed at protecting contract workers’ wages during future shutdowns. “That’s why the IAM is working with allies in Congress to pass the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act, led by Sens. Tina Smith, Tim Kaine, Mark Warner, Chris Van Hollen, and Angela Alsobrooks. This legislation would finally ensure that contract workers are compensated for the wages they lose during a shutdown.”
The union has advised its members to report to work unless officially furloughed and encouraged them to stay informed through email updates from IAM or NFFE-IAM. Members were also reminded that their unions will continue advocating for their interests both on Capitol Hill and within workplaces.
IAM provided links to resources such as furlough guidance websites and official FAQs about unemployment insurance for those seeking additional information.
“We will not allow reckless elected officials to gamble with the livelihoods of the men and women who keep this country running. We are stronger when we work together,” concluded the statement.
