AFT NM News:
American Federation of Teachers New Mexico (AFT NM) President Whitney Holland, International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers Lodge #794 (IAM&AW) President Ashley Long, and emergency room registered nurse Jennifer Heckwine issued the following statements to mark the filing of a majority of union recognition cards with the New Mexico Public Employee Labor Relations Board (NMPELRB):
Holland said, “Today is a historic day for our two unions as we work together to support frontline healthcare workers at Sandoval Regional Medical Center as they file cards for recognition as a public employee union under the New Mexico Public Employees Bargaining Act. In a first for our unions in New Mexico, we are collaborating to ensure the nearly 500 healthcare workers have a legal voice to advocate and negotiate for improvements in care for their patients and their profession. We are extremely proud of their courage and hard work in getting to this day.”
Heckwine said, “I am proud to be organizing together with my fellow nurses and healthcare staff to form United Health Professionals of New Mexico, the first of its kind joint union under AFT NM and IAM&AW in New Mexico. Our union will not only address the work we do as healthcare professionals, but also the quality service we can provide for our patients and community. We want to thank our community and patients for their steadfast support of our campaign.”
Long said, “United Health Professionals of New Mexico comprise many different types of healthcare workers, including registered nurses, respiratory therapists, clinical social workers, maintenance workers, food service workers, housekeepers, registration and clerks, security personnel, and many others – which represent the workers who ensure the hospital runs smoothly and provides the best quality care possible for our patients. We are proud of each of these workers standing together, and we are committed to supporting this new union as it continues its efforts towards recognition and eventually an initial contract. We encourage the NMPELRB to certify this union without delay.”
