A Great Victory for Public Workers

New Mexico Council 18 members gathered at the state capitol recently to celebrate Gov. Bill Richardson's (D) monumental signing of a collective bargaining bill for public employees. In 1992, the state had established a similar law, but it expired seven years later after a "sunset clause" kicked in. Former Gov. Gary Johnson (R) later vetoed a measure to restore the law.

But AFSCME activists lobbied hard, and they are now in the middle of a massive effort to organize more than 8,000 state workers. The main issues: participation in decision-making; fair grievance procedures; workplace safety; affordable health insurance; and an end to favoritism in hiring and promotions.

Declared Richardson, who was elected governor in 2002 with substantial AFSCME support: "Today is a great victory for our public workers across New Mexico. Many of you were denied your rights under the previous administration. I have long believed that all workers should have the right to negotiate. I am happy to do my part to restore bargaining rights to public employees." Said Melinda Dominguez, an examiner with the Taxation and Revenue Department: "The passage of this bill puts power in the hands of workers to improve our jobs and lives, and we will take that responsibility seriously."