AFSCME Council 18

AFSCME New Mexico …. Our new logo, the same fighting Green Machine!

Building Bargaining Power: AFSCME New Mexico Members Train for the Negotiating Table

Several dozen state, city and county AFSCME members from across New Mexico graduated today from an intense two-day Contract Negotiations Training, at the AFSCME Council 18 Lujan Union Hall, in Albuquerque.

The hands-on training is part of the AFSCME Council 18 ELITE (Empowerment through Leadership, Involvement, Teamwork and Education) membership training curriculum and was taught by experienced staff from AFSCME International’s Political, Education and Research & Collective Bargaining departments — Dorian Lockett, Abigail Doupnik and Jane Billinger.

During the training, members learned skills needed to effectively represent their coworkers at the bargaining table, to advocate for better wages and benefits, and protect workplace rights. The members practiced effective communication skills to engage the bargaining unit members during the entire negotiations process, before even reaching the bargaining table and well through the ratification of an agreement.

It is essential to remember that strong contracts don't happen by accident—they are won through preparation, strategy, and member involvement. By training more members in the bargaining process, AFSCME builds a strong and more informed union that stands together and fights for the issues that matter most.

When members are engaged and educated, our collective voice becomes even more powerful. Thank you to everyone who dedicate their time to strengthening our great union and helping build a better future for all AFSCME members in New Mexico!

Stronger Voices, Safer Facilities: Why Unionized Corrections Officers Matter in New Mexico

While we recognize and show our profound respect for corrections officers during this appreciation week, it is essential that we support those who do this work 365 days a year and understand why their role matters.

Corrections officers perform one of the toughest jobs in our communities, maintaining safety, order, and dignity inside our facilities every day. In New Mexico, unionized officers represented by AFSCME in the state prison system and county jails play a critical role in protecting public safety while advocating for fair wages, proper staffing levels, and safer working conditions.

Strong unions ensure that officers have a voice. This advocacy promotes accountability, better training, and policies that benefit both staff and the individuals in their care. When corrections officers are supported, facilities operate more safely and effectively, which impacts all of us.

Supporting union representation is about more than workers' rights; it is about building a more stable, humane, and secure corrections system for New Mexico.

Tele-Communicators are Tremendous EVERY Day of the Week!

As we observe National Public Safety Tele-Communicators Week from April 12 to April 18, we want to express our profound gratitude to our AFSCME Council 18 union members and all telecommunicators across New Mexico. We are deeply grateful for the invaluable work you perform every hour of every day.

AFSCME Council 18 takes immense pride in our telecommunicator members serving with various employers, including the City of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, Grant County Dispatch Authority, the Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority, the City of Alamogordo, law enforcement, correctional facilities and many others throughout the state.

The calmness with which you handle every call, the kindness you show to those in crisis, and your exceptional ability to coordinate emergency resources demonstrate why you will always be among the heroes who keep our communities safe.

Thank you for your dedicated service and your unwavering commitment to your union and citizens statewide.

Pictured below is Jasmin Arias, Telecommunications Operator II and President of City of Albuquerque Clerical and Technical Employees’ Union, AFSCME Local 2962

AFSCME Council 18 Graduates 52 New Stewards This Weekend

AFSCME Council 18 is proud to announce tonight that 52 members officially graduated from its latest steward training. This follows an intensive two-day training held at the new AFSCME Lujan Union Hall, in Albuquerque, and its office in Las Cruces.

The training, held on April 10 and 11, was led by six of AFSCME New Mexico’s highly trained member educators. Their real-world experience and commitment provided a practical learning environment that effectively prepared our new stewards for success.

Throughout the sessions, these stewards developed the skills necessary to be strong workplace advocates. They are now equipped to enforce contract rights and represent members in disciplinary hearings, ensuring they can support their coworkers every day.

The new stewards join more than 300 current AFSCME Council 18 stewards who work for the State of New Mexico and cities and counties across the state.

Stewards are the backbone of our union, responsible for ensuring fairness and maintaining unity. By investing in leadership at the local level, we continue to strengthen our union and empower workers across New Mexico.

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of this training. The future of AFSCME in New Mexico is stronger because of their dedication.

Pictured are participants in the Albuquerque and Las Cruces steward training.