Federal employees and contract workers are facing uncertainty as the threat of a government shutdown looms on October 1, 2025. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has voiced concern over the situation, emphasizing that many of its members, along with those from its affiliate, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), could be directly affected.
The IAM has called for bipartisan cooperation to prevent 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 organization stated. It also condemned threats from the White House to use a potential shutdown as grounds for firing federal workers.
IAM and NFFE-IAM together represent more than 110,000 federal workers nationwide. The union noted it understands both the sacrifices made by its members and the hardships caused when paychecks stop due to government closures.
Recalling past events, IAM highlighted that over one million federal contract workers missed pay during the 35-day government shutdown in early 2019—a group that included thousands of furloughed IAM members.
To address these issues going forward, IAM is supporting legislative efforts such as the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act. This bill is led by Senators Tina Smith, Tim Kaine, Mark Warner, Chris Van Hollen, and Angela Alsobrooks. According to IAM’s message: “This legislation would finally ensure that contract workers are compensated for the wages they lose during a shutdown.”
The union advised its members to continue reporting to work unless they receive an official furlough notice and encouraged them to stay informed through union communications. Members were reminded: “Lean on your union. The IAM and NFFE-IAM will continue to fight for you every single day on Capitol Hill and in your workplace. You are not alone.”
Additional resources such as guidance websites from OPM were provided for those seeking information about furloughs or unemployment insurance.
IAM concluded its statement with: “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.”
