New Mexico – State University Employees Win First Contract

Las Cruces, New Mexico

With an overwhelming vote, New Mexico State University (NMSU) employees — members of Local 2393 (Council 18) — have ratified their first contract. The 492-to-15 vote sends a strong message of unity and support for their union to the university administration.

“We worked really hard to reach an agreement,” says Barbara Arispe, a records technician at NMSU’s Doña Ana Cooperative Extension Service who was part of the bargaining team that negotiated for seven months with university authorities. “We look forward to a growing and productive partnership with the NMSU administration.”

Their three-year contract guarantees rights and benefits for the university’s nearly 1,300 “non-exempt” workers — custodians, housekeepers, librarians and office support staff and others — employed throughout the system, which includes four main campuses, a community college and learning centers.

The agreement also includes wage increases that began in July and continue through 2009. In addition, employee health insurance costs will be cut significantly over a three-year period. The average employee with family coverage will see savings of more than $5,300 over that time period.

The workers voted overwhelmingly to join AFSCME in May 2006. AFSCME Council 18 represents more than 14,000 public service employees in New Mexico. Over 100,000 college and university staff around the country are members of AFSCME.