The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) and the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) have responded to the conclusion of the recent federal government shutdown by urging Congress to provide back pay for all affected workers, including federal contractors.
In a joint statement, the unions expressed disappointment with the outcome of negotiations that ended the shutdown. They said, “While we are extremely disappointed that the GOP did not negotiate a deal that prevents a healthcare crisis, nor does it restore draconian cuts to Medicaid, our top priority has and will always will be to protect our members who do vitally important work for the federal government — both as federal employees and federal contractors. We are encouraged by the reopening of the government and strongly urge Congress to do its jobs and provide back pay for all workers — federal employees and contractors — who were furloughed during this manufactured shutdown.”
The IAM Union represents more than 115,000 federal workers along with over 30,000 Service Contract Act workers. The unions highlighted the essential roles these employees play in supporting military operations, managing public lands, caring for veterans, and delivering vital services nationwide. They noted that many endured financial hardship during the shutdown.
“These hardworking public servants perform critical duties every day: supporting our military, protecting our public lands and natural resources, caring for our veterans, and ensuring that essential government services reach every community in America. They deserve stability, respect, and timely pay for their labor,” they stated.
The unions also called attention to past shutdowns where over a million contract workers went unpaid. “We believe that the contract workers who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with federal employees should receive full back pay without delay, and the IAM continues to point out that over a million federal contract workers went unpaid during prior shutdowns. The lack of back pay for federal contract workers shows a lack of respect for the work they do to help keep our nation safe,” they said.
They urged lawmakers and administration officials to take steps not only to compensate those affected but also prevent future disruptions. “We urge Congress and the administration to work together to provide backpay to all federal workers and contractors while taking measures to prevent future shutdowns. The American people deserve a government that works as hard and as faithfully as they do. No family should ever again be forced to choose between paying bills and serving their country.”
The statement concluded: “The IAM and NFFE-IAM will continue to stand with our members and fight to ensure their voices are heard, their pay is protected, and their work is respected.”
