New Under the Sun

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

If the legislature appropriates enough money to fund it, about 8,000 state workers will get a wage increase averaging 15 percent over three years. The new contract, which takes effect next July, was agreed on after two years of difficult negotiations.

Gov. Bill Richardson (D) signed the agreement at a ceremony in September. Council 18 Exec. Dir. Anthony Marquez hailed it as a "necessary first step to addressing the low pay of state workers." Especially in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, he added, "One thing is clear: Recruiting and retaining our qualified first responders is critical to the strength of our communities and the safety of New Mexico families."

In addition to the increase, the contract includes improved health benefits, comprehensive safety measures, whistleblower protection, cash payments for overtime (in the absence of cash, the right to refuse overtime), disciplinary and grievance procedures, and rules that provide employees with two consecutive days off per week.

Marquez notes that "the governor has promised he will back our raises. Now we need members to call their legislators" to encourage their support.