Approximately 1,600 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) working at Honeywell FM&T in Kansas City are scheduled to be furloughed on November 1, 2025, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The facility, which operates under a contract with the U.S. Department of Energy, will enter a shutdown phase beginning October 27 unless Congress acts to approve funding for energy and water development appropriations.
The potential furlough affects workers who support national defense and energy programs. Only a small number of employees are expected to remain if funding is not approved.
“This is a devastating and unnecessary blow to 1,600 working families in Kansas City who proudly support our nation’s defense and energy programs,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Our members should not be used as pawns in a political stalemate. Congress must act now to end this shutdown and protect working Americans.”
IAM Local 778 represents about 1,611 members at Honeywell FM&T and is taking steps to ensure that terms of the collective bargaining agreement are followed during the furlough period. The union is also organizing workshops aimed at helping members understand unemployment benefits and access career resources if they are affected by the work stoppage.
“This shutdown has real consequences for the real working Americans in this country and right here in Kansas City,” said IAM Local 778 Directing Business Representative Scott Brown. “Our members are dedicated, highly skilled workers who should not be left in limbo because of Washington’s failure to pass a budget.”
The IAM Union continues its advocacy efforts for legislative or administrative measures that would guarantee back pay and increased protections for federal contract workers during periods when government funding lapses.
