The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) and the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) have responded to the conclusion of the recent federal government shutdown. In a joint statement, both organizations welcomed the reopening of government operations but criticized lawmakers for not reaching an agreement that would address healthcare concerns or reverse cuts to Medicaid.
“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,” said IAM Union and NFFE-IAM in their statement.
The IAM Union represents over 115,000 federal workers along with more than 30,000 Service Contract Act workers. According to their statement, these individuals faced financial hardship due to furloughs caused by political disagreements in Washington. The union emphasized that these workers support key functions such as military operations, public land management, veteran care, and delivery of essential services nationwide.
“These hardworking public servants perform critical duties every day: supporting our military, protecting our public lands and natural resources, caring for our veterans, and ensuring that essential government services reach every community in America. They deserve stability, respect, and timely pay for their labor,” read part of the statement.
IAM Union also highlighted ongoing issues regarding compensation for contract workers affected by 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.”
The unions called on Congress and administration officials to collaborate on measures providing back pay for all affected personnel while seeking long-term solutions preventing future disruptions. “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 by reaffirming their 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.”
