The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), which represents 600,000 members, has announced its support for the Federal Employees Civil Relief Act. The legislation was introduced by U.S. Representatives Brendan F. Boyle (D-Pa.) and Emily Randall (D-Wash.), with a companion bill in the Senate sponsored by Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii).
The proposed act aims to protect federal employees and contractors from financial challenges during government shutdowns or when the federal debt limit is breached. If passed, the legislation would temporarily suspend civil liabilities, including rent, mortgage payments, student loans, and tax obligations, for furloughed workers or those working without pay. It also includes protections against 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 advocates for more than 100,000 federal employees and service contract workers nationwide, including those involved in maintaining military aircraft, operating national parks, and providing essential public services. The union has a history of supporting policies that offer fair treatment and financial stability to these workers during lapses in government funding.
The new legislation is modeled after the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which offers similar protections to military service members. Under the proposed act, financial obligations and civil proceedings would be paused during a shutdown and for 30 days after it ends, providing workers with added security.
