Kansas City, Missouri, October 23, 2025
News Summary
The Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies facility in Kansas City has announced the furlough of approximately 1,600 union workers due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The furlough is expected to begin on November 1, pending Congressional action for funding. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is advocating for urgent resolution, emphasizing the impact on workers, families, and the local economy reliant on federal jobs.
Kansas City: Honeywell Facility to Furlough 1,600 Workers as Government Shutdown Continues
Approximately 1,600 union workers at the Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies facility in Kansas City are facing furlough due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2023. The furlough is set to commence on November 1, 2023, unless Congress takes action to approve funding for energy and water development.
The announcement regarding the furlough was made by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). According to IAM, the Honeywell facility is scheduled to enter shutdown mode on October 27, 2023, with only a limited number of employees remaining on the job. The Honeywell facility is under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy and is responsible for manufacturing non-nuclear components vital to the nuclear stockpile.
The IAM has expressed concern regarding the furlough, urging Congress to end the government shutdown and take action to provide relief to federal contract workers. With 1,600 families affected, the union emphasized that the situation places undue stress on individuals who contribute significantly to national defense and energy programs.
Impact on Workers and Local Economy
The IAM is ensuring that the collective bargaining agreement is respected during the furlough period. Additionally, the local union is organizing workshops for members to aid them in navigating unemployment benefits and discovering career resources. The IAM Midwest Territory general vice president has highlighted the broader negative implications on local families and the economy, given that the region relies heavily on federal jobs.
The Honeywell Kansas City facility plays an essential role as a supplier for the Department of Energy, further emphasizing its importance in maintaining national security and energy programs. The expected furlough could have cascading effects on local economies driven by federal employment, potentially leading to additional job losses and disruption of federal services.
Call to Action for Congress
The IAM continues to advocate for immediate Congressional action to resolve ongoing funding issues that are affecting their members and other federal workers. The uncertainty surrounding the situation adds to the pressing need for a resolution to avoid further complications for 1,600 working families already facing challenges due to the continued shutdown.
FAQ
Why are Honeywell workers facing furlough?
Approximately 1,600 union workers at the Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies facility in Kansas City face furlough amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, which began on October 1.
When is the furlough scheduled to start?
The furlough is scheduled to start on November 1, 2023.
What will happen to the facility before the furlough starts?
The IAM stated that the facility will go into shutdown mode on October 27, 2023, with only a handful of employees remaining on the job unless Congress approves funding for energy and water development.
What is the role of the Honeywell facility?
The Honeywell facility is under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy and manufactures non-nuclear components for the nuclear stockpile.
What support is the IAM providing to its members during the furlough?
The local union is ensuring that the collective bargaining agreement is honored during the furlough and is organizing workshops for members on navigating unemployment benefits and career resources.
What impact does the furlough have on the local community?
The furlough will significantly impact local families and the economy, given the reliance on federal jobs in the region.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Workers Affected | 1,600 |
| Furlough Start Date | November 1, 2023 |
| Shutdown Mode Begins | October 27, 2023 |
| Contracting Entity | U.S. Department of Energy |
| Support by IAM | Workshops for unemployment benefits and career resources |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Fox4KC: Honeywell Investing in Olathe Manufacturing
- Wikipedia: Kansas City
- Missouri Independent: Federal Workers Brace for Layoffs
- Google Search: Honeywell Federal Manufacturing Technologies
- Kansas City Star: Local News on Honeywell
- Google Scholar: Federal Government Shutdown
- Startland News: KC Chamber Showcase
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Furloughs Impact
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
