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 by calling for full back pay for both federal employees and contract workers who were furloughed.
In a joint statement, the organizations expressed disappointment with Congress’s handling of negotiations. “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 as well as over 30,000 Service Contract Act workers. According to their statement, these individuals have faced financial difficulties due to political disagreements leading to government closure. “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 highlighted that contract workers have historically not received back pay 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.”
They called on lawmakers to address this issue going forward: “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 statement concluded with a commitment from both unions: “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.”
