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 was introduced by U.S. Representatives Brendan F. Boyle (D-Pa.) and Emily Randall (D-Wash.), with a companion bill sponsored by Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii).
The proposed act aims to protect federal employees and contractors from financial difficulties during government shutdowns or breaches of the federal debt limit. If passed, the law would suspend certain civil liabilities, including rent, mortgage payments, student loans, and tax obligations, for workers who are furloughed or required to work without pay. It would also prevent eviction, foreclosure, credit penalties, and loss of insurance coverage for these individuals.
“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,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “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 across the United States, including those responsible for maintaining military aircraft, operating national parks, and providing other essential public services. The union has a history of advocating for fair treatment and financial stability for these workers during lapses in government funding.
The Federal Employees Civil Relief Act is modeled after the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which provides similar protections for military service members. The new legislation would pause financial obligations and civil proceedings for affected workers during a shutdown and for 30 days afterward.
