The ongoing federal government shutdown is affecting workers across the country, particularly those represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) and the National Federation of Federal Employees-IAM (NFFE-IAM). The IAM Union is asking its members to share their experiences about how the shutdown is impacting them, whether directly or indirectly.
Thousands of IAM Union and NFFE-IAM members are employed by federal agencies, federal contractors, or work in sectors that depend on federal funding. The shutdown has resulted in missed paychecks, paused contracts, delayed maintenance, and uncertainty for many families.
IAM Union International President Brian Bryant commented, “The IAM Union strongly urges a bipartisan funding solution, negotiated in good faith between Democrats and Republicans, to end this 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.”
Members who have experienced furloughs, missed paychecks, or work disruptions—whether employed by federal contractors, defense facilities, the VA, FAA, or other federally funded employers—are encouraged to share their stories with the union.
The IAM National and Legislative team is working in Washington, D.C., to advocate for members, press for an end to the shutdown, and seek long-term protections for workers. The union has expressed solidarity with all affected workers and is calling for accountability from lawmakers responsible for the shutdown.
To help members cope with the situation, the union advises workers to continue reporting to work unless they receive an official written furlough notice. They are also encouraged to sign up for IAM and NFFE-IAM email updates using their personal email addresses to stay informed. The union emphasizes that it will continue to support its members during the shutdown.
Additional resources, including guidance on furloughs and unemployment insurance, are available through various official websites.
