Federal employees and federal contract workers are facing the possibility of a government shutdown on October 1, 2025. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has expressed concern about the impact this would have on its members and others in similar positions.
In a message to its members, the IAM stated: “Once again, our nation’s federal employees and federal contract workers are facing the threat of a government shutdown on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. And once again, hardworking men and women, many of them proud IAM and NFFE-IAM members, are being treated as pawns in a political game.”
The union called for cooperation between both major political parties to avoid a shutdown. “The IAM strongly urges a bipartisan funding solution, negotiated in good faith between Democrats and Republicans, to prevent a 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.”
Representing more than 110,000 federal workers through both the IAM and its affiliate National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), the organization highlighted previous hardships faced during past shutdowns. “We know firsthand the sacrifices our members make and we know the hardship that comes when a paycheck stops.”
Referring to recent history, the statement noted: “Government shutdowns are devastating. Over 1 million federal contract workers went without pay during the 35-day government shutdown in early 2019, including thousands of furloughed IAM members.”
The union is supporting legislative efforts aimed at protecting contract workers from wage losses due to future shutdowns. “That’s why the IAM is working with allies in Congress to pass the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act, led by Sens. Tina Smith, Tim Kaine, Mark Warner, Chris Van Hollen, and Angela Alsobrooks. This legislation would finally ensure that contract workers are compensated for the wages they lose during a shutdown.”
IAM provided guidance for affected members:
– Report to work unless given an official furlough notice.
– Stay connected via email updates from IAM or NFFE-IAM.
– Seek support from their union.
Additional resources were offered for those seeking information about furloughs or unemployment insurance.
The message concluded: “We will not allow reckless elected officials to gamble with the livelihoods of the men and women who keep this country running. We are stronger when we work together.”
