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 sponsored by Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii).
The proposed act aims to protect federal employees and contractors from financial challenges during government shutdowns or breaches of the federal debt limit. If enacted, the legislation would suspend certain civil liabilities, including rent, mortgage payments, student loans, and tax obligations for furloughed workers or those required to work without pay. It also seeks to protect these workers from eviction, foreclosure, credit penalties, and loss of insurance coverage.
Brian Bryant, International President of the IAM Union, stated: “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. 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. These include workers who maintain military aircraft, operate national parks, and provide essential public services. The union has a history of advocating for fair treatment and financial stability for these employees during lapses in government funding.
The Federal Employees Civil Relief Act is modeled after protections given to military service members under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. It proposes to pause financial obligations and civil proceedings during a shutdown and for 30 days afterward to provide additional security for affected workers.
