For Immediate Release
Friday, March 07, 2003
State Workers Join Governor Bill Richardson to Celebrate Signing of Collective Bargaining Law
SANTA FE, NM —State employees gathered in celebration at the Roundhouse today as Governor Bill Richardson signed legislation giving New Mexico's state employees the right to bargain collectively. The passage into law of this bill is a huge victory for state workers who will now be able to negotiate for better wages, benefits and working conditions.
Passage of the law marks an important step for state employees. Thousands of workers across New Mexico are now joining with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 18 as the next step in their march toward securing a strong and binding contract. Issues of top concern to many state employees include, participation in decision-making, fair grievance procedures, workplace safety, affordable health insurance and ending favoritism in hiring and promotions.
"This collective bargaining law is just the beginning. We have taken the first step. Our next step is to unite and organize a powerful union so that we can go to the bargaining table and negotiate a strong contract that will end favoritism in the workplace and give us the wages, rights and respect we deserve," stated Ernie Padilla, an equal opportunity investigator with the Highway Department.
"The passage of this bill puts power in the hands of workers to improve our jobs and our lives, and we will take that responsibility seriously. Our thanks to Governor Richardson and the legislature for answering our call for action and passing this bill," said Melinda Dominguez, a tax examiner with the Taxation and Revenue Department.
The bill, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Richard Romero and House Speaker Ben Lujan, passed the Senate by an overwhelming majority of 25 - 14 and the House by a margin of 42 - 21. The law restores the collective bargaining rights workers had until 1999 when then-Governor Gary Johnson blocked the law from being renewed, despite strong legislative support.
Gerald W. McEntee, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO, traveled to New Mexico for the bill signing. "The right to bargain collectively is a fundamental workplace right, and New Mexico is taking the right stand by recognizing that right, and making it the law," stated McEntee.
AFSCME is the nation's largest public service employees and health care workers union with more than 1.3 million members.
