Federal employees and contract workers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) are facing uncertainty as the threat of a government shutdown looms on October 1, 2025. The union, along with its affiliate, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), has expressed concern over the potential impact on more than 110,000 federal workers it represents.
In a statement to members, IAM leaders called for a bipartisan solution in Congress to prevent the shutdown. “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. The IAM also strongly condemns the White House’s threat to use a shutdown as a means to justify illegally firing scores of federal workers.”
The union highlighted past effects of government closures, noting that during the 35-day government shutdown in early 2019, over one million federal contract workers missed paychecks—including thousands of IAM members.
To address lost wages during such events, IAM is supporting legislative efforts in Congress. “That’s why the IAM is working with allies in Congress to pass the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act, led by Sens. Tina Smith, Tim Kaine, Mark Warner, Chris Van Hollen, and Angela Alsobrooks. This legislation would finally ensure that contract workers are compensated for the wages they lose during a shutdown.”
IAM also advised its members on steps to take if a shutdown occurs: report to work unless officially furloughed; stay informed through union communications; and rely on union support both at workplaces and in legislative advocacy.
“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,” the statement concluded.
