The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), which represents 600,000 members, has announced its support for the Federal Employees Civil Relief Act. The legislation was introduced by U.S. Representatives Brendan F. Boyle (D-Pa.) and Emily Randall (D-Wash.), with a companion bill in the Senate sponsored by Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii).
The proposed law aims to protect federal employees and contractors from financial difficulties during government shutdowns or breaches of the federal debt limit. It would suspend certain civil liabilities, including rent, mortgage payments, student loans, and tax obligations, for furloughed workers or those working without pay. The act also seeks to prevent eviction, foreclosure, credit penalties, and loss of insurance coverage for affected workers.
“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,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “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 in the United States. These members are involved in maintaining military aircraft, operating national parks, and providing essential public services. The union has a history of advocating for policies that support fair treatment and financial stability for its members during lapses in government funding.
The Federal Employees Civil Relief Act is modeled after protections provided to military service members under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. It would pause financial obligations and civil proceedings during a shutdown and extend these protections for 30 days after a shutdown ends.
