Editor,
In a letter to the editor in the June 26 - July 2 edition of the Daily Lobo a Ms. Osborn asks, "Why do we allow US-UNM union to represent us?"
I know why I allow US-UNM to represent me. It is the only voice we UNM employees have in the legislature and US-UNM, in conjunction with NMFEE, with whom we are affiliated, have been successful in improving our situation at UNM. Ms. Osborn is misinformed about the facts when she states that US-UMN has done nothing for the bargaining unit.
2001 - It is true that the legislature approved a 6.5 percent raise for UNM employees, but how did that come about? Hard work on the part of the union, that's how. Going into the legislative session both the legislature and Gov. Gary Johnson were recommending a zero percent increase in higher education salaries. Lobbying by US-UNM, NMFEE and a coordinated grassroots lobbying effort of union members convinced both the legislature and the governor that a 6.5 percent raise was merited for UNM employees because our salaries were much lower than similar jobs in peer institutions. The UNM officials were asking for a much lower increase for us. The union made the difference.
2002 - You can't win them all, especially public employees where Gov. Johnson was concerned. Again, neither the legislature nor the governor had any increases for UNM employees in their respective budgets. And again, US-UNM and NMFEE were successful in getting the legislature to pass a salary increase, this time for 3 percent. Yes, Johnson vetoed the raise as he has vetoed a lot of good legislation. This is not the union's fault as they were there, working for us.
However, in contract negotiations later that spring, US-UNM was successful in getting a decent grievance process in place for bargaining unit employees. We can now have representation in the process, whereas before, we were out there alone against the University with its resources. Another major benefit to employees is access to arbitration in addition to dispute resolution.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
2003 - Yes, the legislature has approved a 2 percent raise, and yes, the contract negotiations have gone to impasse. The vast majority of US-UNM voting members believe that it is time to radically improve the personnel system with step-in-grade and not just dinky so-called "merit" raises that go to a chosen few at the expense of their co-workers.
However, there has not been anything in any of the contracts to prevent anyone from getting merit above the negotiated increase. If people are being denied merit pay, it is an administrative decision and not because it violates the contract.
Susan Carkeek is not correct when she implies that the huge pot of unrestricted reserves cannot be used for salaries because they are "one-time money, salaries are annual and on-going." This money is rolled over every year and grows through interest. The interest can be used for salary increases even if the administration doesn't want to use any of the reserves.
If you want to do something to help yourself, UNM and education in New Mexico, vote Yes Sept. 23 to invest more of the permanent school fund in UNM and in the other educational institutions of this state. With more money for UNM there will be no more excuses for keeping our salaries so low. Also, join US-UNM and have a voice in improving your own work situation. Remember, US-UNM is the only voice we employees have in the legislature.
Jennifer White
Senior Academic Advisor, Athletics
