1,600 KC Honeywell workers could be furloughed if shutdown persists, union says
About 1,600 union workers at the Honeywell facility in Kansas City could soon be furloughed as the federal government shutdown drags on.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers said in a press release that about 1,600 of its members at the Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies site will be furloughed on Nov. 1 amid the government shutdown, which began Oct. 1 as Congress has been unable to come up with an agreement to fund the federal government.
The union later said in a follow-up statement that the pending furlough has been extended for one week beyond the original Nov. 1 timeline.
The plant is under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy and manufactures non-nuclear components for the nuclear stockpile. According to the union release, the facility will go into shutdown mode Oct. 27, and only a handful of employees will remain on the job unless Congress approves funding for energy and water development.
“This shutdown has real consequences for the real working Americans in this country and right here in Kansas City,” IAM Local 778 directing business representative Scott Brown said in a statement. “Our members are dedicated, highly skilled workers who should not be left in limbo because of Washington’s failure to pass a budget.”
The local union branch is working to make sure that the collective bargaining agreement is honored during the furlough and organizing workshops to help members navigate unemployment benefits and career resources.
The IAM union has called on lawmakers to end the shutdown and provide relief for federal contract workers, the release says.
“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,” IAM Midwest Territory general vice president Sam Cicinelli said in a statement. “Our members should not be used as pawns in a political stalemate. Congress must act now to end this shutdown and protect working Americans.”
This story was originally published October 22, 2025 at 6:19 PM.