The Metal Trades Department, AFL-CIO, is monitoring the budget process as Congress works on a path that would fund the federal government past this Saturday, Sept. 30. To date, an agreement has not been reached, and a partial or full government shutdown could begin at midnight Saturday.
Should a shutdown occur, our inquiries with signatory contractors indicate that most are certain that they will remain operational in the short term utilizing either reserve funds or unspent funding from previous fiscal years. Presidents of Metal Trades Councils representing affiliate workers in the employ of private sector contractors and companies performing federal government contracts are respectfully requested to provide the department with any shutdown guidance provided to bargaining unit members by their respective employers. Accordingly, all bargaining unit members of the workforce should report to work Monday, Oct. 2, and in the days that follow, unless notified otherwise by their employers.
The Metal Trades Department is no stranger to negotiations on Capitol Hill and the affiliates which comprise the department realize that uncertainty can be distracting and stressful. However, our department and councils have weathered these situations before. In leading up to and in the event of a shutdown, the department will make every effort to keep each and every council, affiliate and bargaining unit member up to date in real time. The department will keep you posted on any and all developments through email communication and the use of the department website.
On behalf of the Executive Council and its affiliated International unions and staff, I thank you for continuing to stay focused on the important national security work performed by metal trades members.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at your convenience. I can be reached by email at jhart@metaltrades.org or by telephone at 202-302-1651.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
