The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), which represents 600,000 members, has announced its support for the Federal Employees Civil Relief Act. The legislation, introduced by U.S. Representatives Brendan F. Boyle (D-Pa.) and Emily Randall (D-Wash.), with a companion bill in the Senate sponsored by Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), aims to protect federal employees and contractors from financial difficulties during government shutdowns or breaches of the federal debt limit.
The proposed law would suspend certain civil liabilities, including rent, mortgage payments, student loans, and tax obligations, for federal workers who are furloughed or required to work without pay during a shutdown. It also protects them from eviction, foreclosure, credit penalties, and loss of insurance coverage.
Brian Bryant, International President of the IAM Union, stated: “Every time there’s a government shutdown, the people who keep our country running — the men and women who maintain our aircraft, protect our borders, care for our veterans, and serve our communities — are forced to pay the price. The IAM Union strongly supports the Federal Employees Civil Relief Act because no federal employee or contractor should face eviction, foreclosure, or financial ruin for simply doing their jobs. We thank Representatives Boyle and Randall, and Senator Schatz, for standing up for the dignity and security of working people who deserve protection from political brinkmanship.”
The IAM Union represents over 100,000 federal employees and service contract workers in roles such as maintaining military aircraft, operating national parks, and providing essential public services throughout the United States. The union has consistently advocated for measures that promote fair treatment and financial stability for these workers during periods when government funding lapses.
The Federal Employees Civil Relief Act is modeled after protections provided to military service members under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. If enacted, it would pause financial obligations and civil proceedings during a shutdown period as well as for 30 days afterward.
