CWA Members Gain Contract in New Mexico

The State Employee Alliance-CWA and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson signed a three-year contract covering 3,000 state workers in 11 agencies, including public education, environment and health, cultural affairs and the treasurer's office.

The contract provides for average annual pay increases of 6 percent, with employees at lower pay rates receiving raises of as much as 22 percent over the contract term. Other gains include more protections for workers in pre-disciplinary investigations, expanded health and safety language and whistleblower protections.

The state legislature must appropriate funds for the contract provisions, and Robin Gould, president of SEA-CWA Local 7076, said workers were "optimistic that the increases bargained at the table in good faith with the governor will be fully funded by the legislature."

CWA President Larry Cohen ad District 7 Vice President Annie Hill attended the signing. Cohen said the union is committed to working with public sector management "to bring the best possible services in every single department."