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PRESS RELEASE: State Workers are Rallying at the Roundhouse for Fair Bargaining

January 21, 2025
Editor

**For Immediate Release**

MEDIA CONTACTS
Megan Green (513) 314-6790 ¡ megan.green@cwa7076.org
Linsey Hurst (505) 470-4007 ¡ linsey.hurst@cwa7076.org

Members of CWA Local 7076 protest outside the Roundhouse on January 21, 2025, advocating for better pay, appropriate placement, and equal leave for state workers, highlighting issues of gaslighting in negotiations.
Members of CWA Local 7076 protest outside the Roundhouse on January 21, 2025, advocating for better pay, appropriate placement, and equal leave for state workers, highlighting issues of gaslighting in negotiations.

Workers’ rights are human rights! 

Union workers with the State of New Mexico are rallying at the Roundhouse on January 21 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM to protect workers’ rights at the bargaining table, while fighting for an improved union contract. Governor Lujan Grisham has proposed language attacking fundamental rights of workers, including:

  • The right for state employees to blow the whistle on government fraud, abuse, and waste; 
  • Denying Union representation to protect employees from civil rights abuses under the ADA, EEOC, and New Mexico Human Rights Act; and
  • Suppressing transparency and evading accountability by attacking the right of Union workers to investigate violations of worker rights.

Communication Workers of America (CWA) Local 7076 represents thousands of Union employees working at thirteen state agencies. In addition to protecting workers’ rights, Union members are also fighting for adequate compensation and benefits that match market standards. A 2023 study by the Legislative Finance Committee found that state workers in sciences, education, engineering, and healthcare were earning 11% to 24% less than the market average. “The State must end the revolving door of its best workers leaving for better opportunities if it wants to address issues like education, child poverty, environmental protections, and health,” said Megan Green, CWA 7076 Local President.

Workers are speaking up and taking action. 

In preparation for contract bargaining, CWA 7076 surveyed over 700 members about how historically-high vacancy rates of over 20% the last three years and annual turnover and overtime costs of over $130 million a year have impacted the workplace. Most employees reported that low staffing has affected their agency’s ability to provide quality services and agreed that low pay, lack of remote work options, and insufficient paid leave rates were the primary drivers for employees leaving State employment. 

In response, the Union won a small longevity pay package, which would result in an average pay increase of only 0.3% for workers. However, proposals to ensure employees receive regular cost-of-living adjustments based on inflation or hybrid remote work options — comparable to other states’ offerings — have been dismissed outright. CWA proposed increased health and safety protections for our members, all of which were rejected by the Governor. CWA also asked for the paid parental leave currently offered to State employees though an Executive Order be formalized in our contract, but the Governor once again said no.

Union workers have the right to bargain the conditions of their employment. 

As the Trump administration takes office, workers’ rights are in danger of being weakened or destroyed nationwide. There is no more important time for Governor Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Legislature to show support for civil rights, including workers’ rights. Now is the time for the  Governor to support workers at the bargaining table and protect workers’ rights instead of dismantling them.

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