IAM Union Condemns Trump Administration for Threat to Withhold Backpay from Federal Workers

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2025 - Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) released the following statement:

"The IAM Union stands with every federal employee and federal contractor who has been forced to endure furloughs because of political brinkmanship. The reported threat by the Trump Administration to withhold back pay is unacceptable, cruel and unlawful. Working people should never be used as bargaining chips-period.

"Our IAM Union and NFFE-IAM members serve this nation every day-caring for our veterans, maintaining our parks, and protecting our national security. They deserve respect and the dignity of guaranteed back pay, just like every worker who has been left in limbo.

"We urge the administration to reverse course immediately and call on Congress to ensure that all furloughed federal workers and contractors are made whole. The IAM Union will continue to fight alongside these workers and their families until fairness is restored and the shutdown is over."

The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America's largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.