The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), which represents about 600,000 members, has announced its support for the Federal Employees Civil Relief Act. The bill was introduced by U.S. Representatives Brendan F. Boyle (D-Pa.) and Emily Randall (D-Wash.), with a companion version in the Senate sponsored by Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii).
The proposed legislation aims to protect federal employees and contractors from financial difficulties during government shutdowns or when the federal debt limit is breached. It would temporarily suspend civil liabilities such as rent, mortgage payments, student loans, and tax obligations for furloughed workers or those working without pay. The bill also seeks to protect these workers 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 nationwide. These members work in roles such as maintaining military aircraft, operating national parks, and providing essential public services. The union has consistently pushed for policies that ensure fair treatment and financial security for these workers during lapses in government funding.
The Federal Employees Civil Relief Act is modeled after protections already given to military service members under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. It would pause financial obligations and civil proceedings during a shutdown and for 30 days afterward to provide additional security for affected workers.
