The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), which represents about 600,000 members, has announced its support for the Federal Employees Civil Relief Act. The legislation, introduced by 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 federal debt limit breaches.
If passed, the act 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. It also seeks to prevent eviction, foreclosure, credit penalties, and loss of insurance coverage for these workers during such periods.
IAM Union International President Brian Bryant 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 nationwide. These workers are involved in maintaining military aircraft, operating national parks, and providing essential public services. The union has consistently pushed for policies that offer fair treatment and financial security to these employees during lapses in government funding.
The proposed legislation is modeled after the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which offers similar protections to military personnel. Under the new act, financial obligations and civil proceedings would be paused during a government shutdown and for 30 days afterward.
