We have seen an overwhelming response from our members about the November 29 announcement from SPO to cancel the telework policy. As we stated in our email on that Tuesday, SPO notified us about this issue only minutes before they sent their statewide email to all employees. SPO implying that we have been working on this with them is incredibly misleading.
To reiterate: We do NOT support a blanket cancellation of telework and will fight this in every way we are able. We appreciate everyone who has reached out in support of the telework policy.
So what is the update?
Our Executive Board worked quickly to get our stance on this issue out to the press:
Albuquerque Journal: State’s plan to rescind remote work policy draws criticism
We are working with our CWA District representative and legal team to determine legal recourse we have in this situation. We have demanded to bargain the changes to the policy and challenged their assertion that negotiations are limited to 30 days. We will keep you updated as we get more information.
HOWEVER, we do not believe our greatest power is through legal action; we have the best chance to overturn this decision if we come together to let the Governor and her team know that we oppose the cancellation of the telework policy. Our strength is in our numbers and our voices.
The cancellation of the telework policy will lead to higher vacancy rates and more work for those of us that remain in State employment. I’m sure we have all talked to a coworker who is planning to quit if they have to return to the office full time. The administration needs to understand that cancellation of the telework policy will lead to an even further reduction of the services that we will be able to provide to New Mexicans across the state.
You can make your voice heard!
We have set up an email campaign that will allow you to tell the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, leaders at the State Personnel Office, and your legislators how ending telework for state employees will affect — or has already affected — you, your family, and your community!
❯❯❯ CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE FIGHT FOR TELEWORK! ❮❮❮
Please share this email campaign widely with your coworkers, supportive managers, and friends in other agencies that are not represented by CWA. The more letters we send, the better our chances of success!
Stay tuned for more information, and mark your calendars for December 17 at 1:00 PM for our quarterly Membership Meeting.
If you are not already a member, please join us us in this fight.