Federal employees and federal 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 union has expressed concern over the recurring threat, stating that its members, including those in the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), are being used in political disputes.
The IAM is calling for a bipartisan agreement between Democrats and Republicans to avoid 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,” said the IAM leadership. The union also criticized the White House for considering a shutdown as grounds to dismiss federal workers, describing such actions as illegal.
Representing more than 110,000 federal workers across the country, the IAM highlighted the impact of previous shutdowns. During the 35-day government closure in early 2019, over one million federal contract workers went unpaid, including many IAM members.
To address these issues, the IAM is supporting congressional efforts to pass the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act. This legislation is sponsored by Senators Tina Smith, Tim Kaine, Mark Warner, Chris Van Hollen, and Angela Alsobrooks. If enacted, it would ensure that contract workers receive compensation for lost wages during any future government closures.
The union has advised its members to continue reporting to work unless officially furloughed and to stay informed through union communications. “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,” stated the message from union leaders.
Additional resources have been made available to help affected workers navigate potential furloughs or loss of income.
“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.
