NMDWS Acting Director Ricky Serna
NMSPO News:
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s executive recommendation for State of New Mexico employee compensation would increase current pay rates from a minimum of 4 percent to as much as 40 percent, depending on an employee’s current pay.
The recommendation would achieve a baseline $15 minimum hourly pay rate for state employees, while also adjusting all state employee pay rates to prevent compaction.
“Last year Gov. Lujan Grisham tasked the State Personnel Office with convening a compensation work group that included our union partners,” said Acting Director Ricky Serna of New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. “Together we crafted a strategy that truly demonstrates the value we place on our state employees and the essential services they provide to New Mexicans.”
Earlier this month in an historic collaboration, the State Personnel Office executed Memorandums of Understanding with Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO, CLC State Employee Alliance as well as American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), New Mexico Council 18 in support of the Governor’s recommendation.
“This collaborative compensation recommendation makes strides toward addressing years without adequate pay adjustments under the previous administration,” said AFSCME Council 18 Executive Director Connie Derr.
“The opportunity to be included in the process for determining how State employees are adequately compensated is unprecedented,” CWA Local President Dan Secrist said. “We look forward to an ongoing collaboration that ensures our members are compensated competitively.”
In addition to increasing pay for state employees, the Governor proposed a 19 percent increase for State Police Officers, and the extension of the $15 minimum hourly pay rate to workers at New Mexico’s higher education institutions and public school districts.
State government is one of the largest employers within the state. With this compensation package, the state can provide more competitive pay to retain workers and attract new workers to fill vacancies. Current job opportunities across the state can be viewed and applied for online at https://www.spo.state.nm.us/.