The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) and the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) have issued a joint statement urging Republican leaders to negotiate with Democratic leaders to reopen the federal government.
“The IAM Union and NFFE-IAM continue to urge GOP Leadership to meet with Democratic Leaders and negotiate a deal that reopens the federal government immediately.
“Together, we proudly represent more than 115,000 federal workers and over 30,000 Service Contract Act workers whose jobs, pay, and families are being directly impacted by this shutdown. While the GOP-controlled U.S. House of Representatives remains out of session, hundreds of thousands of federal workers, contractors and their families are paying the price for their political inaction. Republican members of Congress are the only government workers who are home, but still getting paid. The American people deserve a government that works as hard as they do.
“Our members perform critical jobs — supporting our military, protecting our national parks and public lands, caring for our nation’s veterans, and ensuring that government services are delivered safely and efficiently. Quality, affordable healthcare is a top priority of our union, and our members should never have to worry about losing access to care or pay because of political gridlock.
“The IAM Union and NFFE-IAM call on Washington to put people before politics, immediately end this unnecessary crisis, and provide backpay to all federal workers and contractors who have had to endure this reckless political standoff.”
The two unions represent more than 115,000 federal employees as well as over 30,000 Service Contract Act workers affected by the ongoing shutdown. The statement highlights that while many government operations remain stalled due to lack of congressional action from the GOP-controlled House of Representatives, members of Congress continue receiving their salaries during the impasse.
According to IAM Union information provided in its statement, it represents about 600,000 active and retired members across sectors including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad transit systems, healthcare industries, automotive fields as well as various roles within both United States’ public service sectors.
