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, the organizations expressed disappointment with the outcome of negotiations, particularly regarding healthcare provisions and Medicaid funding.
“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.”
According to IAM Union, they represent more than 115,000 federal workers along with over 30,000 Service Contract Act workers. The statement highlighted that these employees faced financial difficulties due to furloughs caused by political disagreements in Washington.
“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.”
The unions emphasized that contract workers should receive full back pay promptly. They noted that over a million federal contract workers did not receive compensation during 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.”
They called on Congress and the administration to ensure all affected employees are compensated and urged action to prevent future shutdowns.
“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.
“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.”
