The ongoing federal government shutdown continues to affect many workers, including members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and the National Federation of Federal Employees-IAM (NFFE-IAM). These unions represent thousands of employees at federal agencies, federal contractors, and businesses dependent on federal funding.
The shutdown has led to missed paychecks, contract delays, postponed maintenance, and uncertainty for workers and their families. IAM Union International President Brian Bryant addressed the situation, stating: “The IAM Union strongly urges a bipartisan funding solution, negotiated in good faith between Democrats and Republicans, to end this 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.”
IAM and NFFE-IAM are collecting stories from affected members to highlight the impact of the shutdown. The unions emphasize the importance of sharing these experiences to support their advocacy efforts in seeking an end to the shutdown and long-term worker protections.
Members are advised to continue reporting to work unless they receive an official written furlough notice, stay informed by signing up for union email updates with their personal addresses, and utilize union support during this period. IAM’s national and legislative teams are working on Capitol Hill to advocate for members’ interests and hold lawmakers accountable.
Additional resources such as guidance on furloughs and unemployment insurance have been made available to help members navigate the shutdown.
