Federal employees and federal contract workers are facing the possibility of a government shutdown on October 1, 2025. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has expressed concern for its members and other affected workers as political disagreements in Congress continue.
In a statement addressed to its members, the IAM called for a bipartisan solution 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 IAM and its affiliate, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), represent over 110,000 federal workers across the country. According to the union’s statement, “We know firsthand the sacrifices our members make and we know the hardship that comes when a paycheck stops.”
Reflecting on past experiences, the IAM noted that more than one million federal contract workers missed pay during the 35-day government shutdown in early 2019. Thousands of those affected were IAM members.
To address wage loss during future shutdowns, the union is advocating for new legislation: “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.”
The union advised its members to report to work unless given an official furlough notice and encouraged them to stay informed through email updates from both IAM and NFFE-IAM. Members were also reminded that their unions will continue advocating for their interests at both national and workplace levels.
A list of resources was provided by IAM including links to furlough guidance websites, OPM guides regarding shutdowns and furloughs, FAQs about shutdowns, as well as information about unemployment insurance.
“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 message from IAM leadership.
