The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has issued a message to its members in response to the potential federal government shutdown scheduled for October 1, 2025. The organization highlighted concerns about the impact such a shutdown would have on federal employees and contract workers, many of whom are IAM or National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) members.
“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,” the statement read.
IAM and NFFE-IAM together represent more than 110,000 federal workers across the United States. According to their leadership, these workers make significant sacrifices and face serious hardships when paychecks are delayed due to government closures. The union cited previous incidents like the 35-day government shutdown in early 2019 during which over one million federal contract workers missed paychecks, including thousands who were furloughed IAM members.
To address wage losses during future shutdowns, IAM is supporting congressional efforts behind the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act. This legislation is led by Senators Tina Smith, Tim Kaine, Mark Warner, Chris Van Hollen, and Angela Alsobrooks with the goal of ensuring that contract workers receive compensation for wages lost during any government closure.
IAM also provided guidance for its members in anticipation of possible disruptions: employees should report to work unless they receive an official written furlough notice; staying informed through personal email updates from IAM or NFFE-IAM is encouraged; and members are reminded that union support remains available throughout this period.
“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 from IAM leadership.
