Approximately 1,600 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) working at Honeywell FM&T in Kansas City are facing furlough starting November 1, 2025. This development comes as the ongoing federal government shutdown threatens jobs and operations at facilities under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy.
The Kansas City Honeywell site will begin shutdown procedures on October 27, leaving only a small number of employees on duty unless Congress passes funding for energy and water development appropriations.
“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,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “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 Honeywell FM&T. The union is focused on ensuring that terms of the collective bargaining agreement are upheld during the furlough process. In addition, IAM is preparing workshops for affected members to help them access unemployment benefits and other career resources if the furlough proceeds.
“This shutdown has real consequences for the real working Americans in this country and right here in Kansas City,” said IAM Local 778 Directing Business Representative Scott Brown. “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 continues to urge lawmakers to resolve the government shutdown quickly and provide relief for federal contract workers. The union has also advocated for measures that would guarantee back pay and stronger protections for federal contractors impacted by lapses in government funding.
