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, introduced by U.S. Representatives Brendan F. Boyle (D-Pa.) and Emily Randall (D-Wash.), with a companion bill from Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), aims to protect federal employees and contractors from financial difficulties during government shutdowns or when the federal debt limit is breached.
The proposed law would temporarily suspend certain civil liabilities, such as rent, mortgage payments, student loans, and tax obligations, for federal workers who are furloughed or required to work without pay. It also includes measures to prevent eviction, foreclosure, credit penalties, and loss of insurance coverage for affected workers.
IAM Union International President Brian Bryant stated, “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. 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 more than 100,000 federal employees and federal service contract workers in the United States, including those responsible for 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 these workers during lapses in government funding.
The Federal Employees Civil Relief Act is modeled after the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which offers similar protections to military personnel. The new legislation would pause financial obligations and civil proceedings during a government shutdown and for 30 days afterward.
