IAM Members Score Legislative Wins in New Mexico

In the recent legislative session in New Mexico, members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) scored several significant victories, demonstrating the power of organized labor in shaping public policy. IAM members from New Mexico Locals 1635, 794, and 2515, along with IAM International President Brian Bryant, Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez, General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes, and Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett, worked tirelessly to advocate for workers' rights and improve working conditions.

One of the key achievements was the advancement of the Employees Free Speech Act, sponsored by State Rep. Eleanor Chavez. This legislation aims to prevent employers from monitoring employees' political activities and from holding mandatory attendance, anti-union captive audience meetings. The bill passed out of committee, marking a significant step forward in protecting workers' rights to express their political beliefs without fear of retaliation.

IAM members also advocated for paid family medical leave, recognizing the importance of work-life balance for their members and the broader workforce. They emphasized the need for legislation that would make it easier for workers to negotiate paid leave in their collective bargaining agreements.

“We believe that you don’t only fight for things at the bargaining table, you also have to simultaneously fight for things through legislative action and advocacy,” said IAM Local 794 President Ashley Long. “Secondly, we are advocating for paid family medical leave. We know that our members have needs. They’re caregivers to children, to their elders in their family, and we want to make sure this legislation is passed, so that it’s easier for us to codify it in our collective bargaining agreements.”

IAM members also focused on building people power to make significant changes in their work lives and communities. By engaging members and investing in their development, IAM aims to strengthen its position and achieve better contracts, win more elections, and ultimately win overall.

“We are building people, to build power, to make significant change for our members in their work life and their communities,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “Engaging our members will get us better contracts, win more elections, and we’re just going to win overall. Real change is made when we invest in people!”

In addition to their lobbying efforts, IAM members gathered at a nearby conference center to install new officers to the state council and update their bylaws to reflect needed changes. New Mexico State Council President John Dyrcz noted that across the country, people are turning to organized labor to do things for workers that have long been ignored.

“You see states like Alaska, that are ruby red, but their voters are passing family medical leave because we all need it,” said Dyrcz. “We are going to continue to fight for laws that support workers because it’s the right thing to do. We are going to keep up the fight here in New Mexico.”

Insert a bar chart showing the growth of IAM membership in New Mexico over the past five years

These legislative victories demonstrate the power of organized labor in shaping public policy and improving working conditions. By advocating for workers' rights and engaging their members, IAM members have shown that collective action can lead to meaningful change. As the gig economy continues to grow and workers face new challenges, the efforts of IAM members in New Mexico serve as an inspiration for workers across the country to come together and fight for their rights.