In this weekly email, we’ll update you on the arbitration process for our Unit 1 contract. Read on to find out why having a more persuasive proposal doesn’t ensure an automatic win. Plus, we have a rundown of upcoming events.
Arbitration update
After over a year at the bargaining table, we tentatively agreed with the University on almost everything except two articles: paid Union release time and Reduction in Force (RIF) procedures. Under New Mexico law, those two unresolved issues went to binding arbitration instead of a member ratification vote, because that’s how impasse works under the Public Employees Bargaining Act (PEBA). The arbitrator was required to pick one complete offer for all disputed articles and he picked the University’s version.
We still believe our proposals and our approach were the right call. Our release-time ask was modest and modeled on peer institutions. Our RIF language was pulled almost directly from the University’s own Faculty Handbook, just made contractually enforceable. The arbitrator even called our RIF proposal “more persuasive” in his written opinion. But this process rewards risk-aversion, and we drew an arbitrator inclined to give management the benefit of the doubt.
What this means. Every article we tentatively agreed on is now locked in as-is. Union reps can get excused for specific union business but no course release, and RIF stays governed by the Faculty Handbook, not our contract.
That’s why it’s all the more important to continue organizing and fighting for the working conditions that employees at UNM need. We need to hit the ground running ahead of our next contract. Despite the bad news coming out of our contract negotiations, overall, we did have some wins. We won broad faculty input in workload policies, improved protections for academic freedom, and improved leave policies for lecturers. Plus, adjuncts at 50% FTE are now eligible for health insurance. Collective bargaining is a long game, and we can focus our energy on the future and the shared vision we are working toward.
Here are some ways you can get involved:
• Become (or remain) a dues-paying member.
• Join a committee! There are committees on organizing, communications, finance, bylaws, and grievance. You can email info@uaunm.org for more information.
• Become a steward! Reach out to fellows@uaunm.org.
Healthcare Town Hall
Last week, UA-UNM hosted a Zoom town hall on healthcare costs with a coalition from around the state, called Higher Ed Labor United, or HELU NM. The town hall went great, with over 100 people on the Zoom call, including many of you. This town hall kicks off HELU NM’s campaign for an 80/20 health insurance match for higher ed workers, which could mean hundreds of dollars more per month for some of the most cost-burdened workers. Stay tuned for more news on this campaign, and reach out to info@uaunm.org if you want to get involved!
General Membership Meeting
Mark your calendars for the fall 2026 General Membership Meeting (GMM) on Tuesday, October 13th from 5-7pm. This semester, we will meet in person on the Albuquerque campus in George Pearl Hall, Room P101. Folks who can’t make the meeting in person can attend online via Zoom. There will be food and beverages. Register to let us know you’re coming, and if you need any accommodations or have dietary restrictions.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, September 24th, 9:00-10:00am – Communications Committee Meeting – all campuses on Zoom
Join us to help share information with our members through weekly email updates, social media, our website, and union events.
Email info@uaunm.org for the Zoom link and password.
Thursday, September 24th, 3:30-5:00pm – Organizing Committee Meeting – all campuses on Zoom
Help build our membership and train new leaders through organizing events and workshops
Email organizing@uaunm.org for the Zoom link and password.
UA-UNM Steward Training, Saturday, October 3rd 12:30-4pm
Mark your calendars to attend UA-UNM Steward Training and become a point person for rank and file members and a decision maker within the union. Sign up for Steward Training.
General Membership Meeting, Tuesday, October 13, 5-7pm
General Membership Meeting – on the Albuquerque campus and on Zoom
Location and details TBD
Union Quote of the Week:
“You can’t do it unless you organize.“
