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WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2023 – Robert Martinez Jr., International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), released the following statement applauding the passage of a clean 45-day continuing resolution to avoid a shutdown and allow lawmakers to continue negotiating a final budget for the fiscal year:
“On behalf of the thousands of federal employees and federal contract workers that we proudly represent, we applaud the passage of a clean continuing resolution to end the political theatre and help ease the worries of millions of working families throughout our nation.
“The recent weeks of uncertainty, brinksmanship, and partisan wrangling have taken a toll on the dedicated public servants who keep our government running smoothly. Federal workers and contractors have been living in the shadow of potential furloughs, reduced paychecks, and disrupted services. This unnecessary stress and anxiety have weighed heavily on their shoulders.
“The bipartisan passage of a clean continuing resolution is a testament to the power of cooperation and a commitment to the American people. It is a responsible and necessary step forward that ensures our government can continue its vital functions without interruption.
“IAM has always stood with workers and their families during challenging times, and today, we stand together to celebrate a Congress that has put the needs of the American people first. We call on our elected officials to withstand extremist lawmakers in Congress and continue working together in the spirit of unity to address the many pressing issues facing our nation.
“We must use this moment to realize our nation’s true superpower, the strength of our democracy. When leaders push back against radical lawmakers who have no interest in compromise and prioritize the well-being of the people they serve, everybody wins. We hope this spirit of cooperation continues to guide our nation as we tackle the important challenges ahead.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) 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, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
