WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2025 — The 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is voicing strong support for the Federal Employees Civil Relief Act, newly introduced by U.S. Reps. Brendan F. Boyle (D-Pa.) and Emily Randall (D-Wash.), with a companion bill sponsored by Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii).
The legislation would protect federal employees and contractors from financial hardship during government shutdowns or breaches of the federal debt limit. It suspends certain civil liabilities — such as rent, mortgage payments, student loans, and tax obligations — for furloughed workers or those required to work without pay, while safeguarding them from eviction, foreclosure, credit penalties, and loss of insurance coverage.
“Every time there’s a government shutdown, the people who keep our country running — the men and women who maintain our aircraft, protect our borders, care for our veterans, and serve our communities — are forced to pay the price,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The IAM Union strongly supports the Federal Employees Civil Relief Act because no federal employee or contractor should face eviction, foreclosure, or financial ruin for simply doing their jobs. We thank Representatives Boyle and Randall, and Senator Schatz, for standing up for the dignity and security of working people who deserve protection from political brinkmanship.”
The IAM Union represents more than 100,000 federal employees and federal service contract workers across the United States, including those who maintain military aircraft, operate national parks, and provide critical public services. The union has consistently advocated for policies that ensure fair treatment and financial stability for these workers during government funding lapses.
The Federal Employees Civil Relief Act mirrors long-standing protections provided to military service members under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. It ensures that financial obligations and civil proceedings are paused during a shutdown and for 30 days afterward, giving workers much-needed security and peace of mind.
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, the federal sector and other industries across the United States and Canada.
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