Federal employees and 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 IAM, along with its affiliate, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), which together represent over 110,000 federal workers nationwide, has expressed concern about the impact such a shutdown would have on its members.
In a message to union members, IAM leadership criticized the ongoing 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,” stated the message. The union also condemned threats from the White House to use a shutdown as justification for firing federal employees.
The IAM highlighted the consequences experienced during previous shutdowns. Over one million federal contract workers missed paychecks during the 35-day government shutdown in early 2019, including thousands of IAM members.
To address these concerns moving forward, the IAM is supporting legislative efforts such as the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act. This bill is being led by Senators Tina Smith, Tim Kaine, Mark Warner, Chris Van Hollen, and Angela Alsobrooks. If passed, it would ensure that contract workers receive compensation for lost wages during any future government shutdowns.
Union leadership advised members to continue reporting to work unless given an official furlough notice and encouraged them to stay informed through union communication channels. The statement also reminded members: “Lean on your union. The IAM and NFFE-IAM will continue to fight for you every single day on Capitol Hill and in your workplace. You are not alone.”
The message concluded with a call for unity among federal employees: “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.”
