President Donald Trump signed H.R. 5371 last night, reopening the federal government after a 43-day shutdown and restoring pay for thousands of federal fire fighters who worked without a paycheck.
The IAFF repeatedly called for Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution to end the shutdown and pay federal workers.
Other major unions, including AFGE, the Teamsters, and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, joined the IAFF in calling for a clean funding bill.
“Federal fire fighters did their jobs every single day of this shutdown – even when paychecks stopped,” said General President Edward Kelly. “Now that the government has reopened, our priority is making sure every federal member receives back pay quickly and without delay.”
Due to the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, federal law requires all federal workers – including furloughed employees – to receive full back pay.
Federal fire fighters did their jobs every single day of this shutdown – even when paychecks stopped. Now that the government has reopened, our priority is making sure every federal member receives back pay quickly and without delay.
General President Edward Kelly
Members should receive their back pay as a lump sum, with all appropriate withholdings. Federal law requires these payments to be issued as soon as possible after appropriations are restored, regardless of scheduled pay dates. Based on previous shutdowns, members should begin to see back payments in approximately three to seven business days.
The IAFF is also endorsing the Shutdown Fairness Act (S. 3168), led by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI). Supported by AFGE and other unions representing federal employees, this legislation would allow federal workers to continue being paid during future shutdowns.
Federal fire fighters who experience issues receiving back pay should contact DVP Johnson for assistance.
