The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) and the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) have responded to the recent end of the federal government shutdown by urging Congress to provide full back pay for both federal employees and contractors who were furloughed.
In a joint statement, the organizations expressed disappointment with the terms under which the government reopened. “While we are extremely disappointed that the GOP did not negotiate a deal that prevents a healthcare crisis, nor does it restore draconian cuts to Medicaid, our top priority has and will always will be to protect our members who do vitally important work for the federal government — both as federal employees and federal contractors. We are encouraged by the reopening of the government and strongly urge Congress to do its jobs and provide back pay for all workers — federal employees and contractors — who were furloughed during this manufactured shutdown.”
The IAM Union represents more than 115,000 federal workers along with over 30,000 Service Contract Act workers. According to their statement, these individuals faced significant financial and emotional stress due to what they described as political dysfunction. The union emphasized the essential roles performed by these workers, such as supporting military operations, managing public lands, caring for veterans, and maintaining vital government services across communities.
The statement also addressed concerns about contract workers missing out on compensation after previous shutdowns: “We believe that the contract workers who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with federal employees should receive full back pay without delay, and the IAM continues to point out that over a million federal contract workers went unpaid during prior shutdowns. The lack of back pay for federal contract workers shows a lack of respect for the work they do to help keep our nation safe.”
Both unions called on lawmakers and administration officials to take action: “We urge Congress and the administration to work together to provide backpay to all federal workers and contractors while taking measures to prevent future shutdowns. The American people deserve a government that works as hard and as faithfully as they do. No family should ever again be forced to choose between paying bills and serving their country.”
They concluded with a commitment: “The IAM and NFFE-IAM will continue to stand with our members and fight to ensure their voices are heard, their pay is protected, and their work is respected.”
