Approximately 1,600 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) working at Honeywell FM&T in Kansas City are scheduled to be furloughed starting November 1, 2025. This development comes as the federal government shutdown continues, putting jobs and critical programs in jeopardy nationwide.
The Honeywell facility operates under a contract with the U.S. Department of Energy. It is set to begin shutting down operations on October 27, with only a small number of employees remaining unless Congress passes funding for energy and water development appropriations.
Sam Cicinelli, IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President, commented on the situation: “This is a devastating and unnecessary blow to 1,600 working families in Kansas City who proudly support our nation’s defense and energy programs. Our members should not be used as pawns in a political stalemate. Congress must act now to end this shutdown and protect working Americans.”
IAM Local 778 represents about 1,611 workers at HoneywellFM&T. The union is actively ensuring that terms from their collective bargaining agreement will be upheld during the furlough period. Additionally, IAM Union officials are organizing workshops to assist members with unemployment benefits and career resources if the furlough occurs.
Scott Brown, Directing Business Representative for IAM Local 778, said: “This shutdown has real consequences for the real working Americans in this country and right here in Kansas City. Our members are dedicated, highly skilled workers who should not be left in limbo because of Washington’s failure to pass a budget.”
The IAM Union has called on lawmakers to resolve the shutdown promptly and provide relief for federal contract workers affected by lapses in funding. The organization has also pushed for legislative measures that would guarantee back pay and improve protections for federal contractors during such periods.
