Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), has criticized the Trump Administration for reportedly threatening to withhold back pay from federal workers affected by furloughs. The IAM Union, which represents around 600,000 members across various industries in North America, expressed its support for both federal employees and contractors impacted by political disputes.
In a statement released on October 7, 2025, Bryant said, “The IAM Union stands with every federal employee and federal contractor who has been forced to endure furloughs because of political brinkmanship. The reported threat by the Trump Administration to withhold back pay is unacceptable, cruel and unlawful. Working people should never be used as bargaining chips—period.”
Bryant emphasized the role of IAM Union and NFFE-IAM members in public service: “Our IAM Union and NFFE-IAM members serve this nation every day—caring for our veterans, maintaining our parks, and protecting our national security. They deserve respect and the dignity of guaranteed back pay, just like every worker who has been left in limbo.”
He called on both the administration and Congress to act: “We urge the administration to reverse course immediately and call on Congress to ensure that all furloughed federal workers and contractors are made whole. The IAM Union will continue to fight alongside these workers and their families until fairness is restored and the shutdown is over.”
The IAM Union is among North America’s largest industrial trade unions, with members working in industries such as aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and more across the United States and Canada.
