AFSCME Council 18

05/31/2026

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!

05/29/2026

Corrections Officers Vote No Confidence in MDC Warden Over Safety Crisis

On May 15, the Metropolitan Detention Center Officers’ Union, AFSCME Local 2499, took a unanimous vote of No Confidence against MDC Warden Kai Smith.

AFSCME Local 2499 has repeatedly raised the alarm regarding the unsafe environment at MDC through labor-management meetings, requested sit-downs with Warden Smith, grievances, and labor board charges. Despite these efforts, the situation has worsened; more than half a dozen officers and inmates were assaulted in just under three weeks.

Warden Smith has consistently failed to take the necessary actions to protect those within the facility. This lack of response demonstrates a significant absence of leadership and accountability, leaving officers to work in dangerous conditions due to chronic understaffing and policies that undermine safety.

Enough is enough!!

On June 9, AFSCME Local 2499 correctional officers will join public safety partners, inmate advocates, and community members to present these concerns to the Bernalillo County Commission (BCC).

Show up in support of the officers and those housed in the facility and demand accountability, improved safety protocols, and the immediate resolution of staffing shortages at the MDC.

Union president says dozens of officers sign no-confidence vote in Warden Kai Smith

05/12/2026

CYFD Doth Protest Too Much, Methinks: When Accountability is Met With Retaliation Instead of Transparency, Workers and the Public Deserve Answers


On May 11, The Santa Fe New Mexican published a story that follows up on workers’ allegations of retaliation for speaking up about unsafe or unfair workplace conditions. CYFD denies all the allegations, but where there is smoke, there is fire. And the workers’ union, AFSCME, exists to protect employees’ rights, ensure accountability, and give workers a voice without fear of intimidation.

At CYFD, employees who raise concerns about workplace issues, staffing shortages, and safety, and the tools needed to appropriately provide services to the community it serves, deserve to be heard — not punished or threatened with punishment. Speaking to the media about serious workplace concerns is not wrongdoing; it is often an act of advocacy and public accountability.

AFSCME will always fight for fairness, transparency, and protections against retaliation. Protecting workers’ rights ultimately protects the community as a whole.

CYFD denied investigating its workers and highlighted initiatives they said have curbed vacancy rates in frontline workers.

05/05/2026

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.

04/30/2026

Workers’ Memorial Day Highlights 365 Days of Vigilance for Worker Safety


April 28 marked the annual Workers’ Memorial Day—a time to honor those who lost their lives or were injured on the job. This day serves as a solemn reminder that behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a community forever changed.

Today, we reflect and recommit ourselves to the fight for workplace safety. Ensuring a safe environment is a daily responsibility that includes wearing proper gear, following procedures, reporting hazards, and looking out for one another.

Beyond individual actions, we must hold management accountable. We must continue fighting for proper staffing and addressing risks ranging from ergonomic, chemical, and physical hazards to psychosocial factors affecting mental health.

Current employer priorities remain a serious concern. For example:

- CYFD recently required an employee to undergo a fitness-for-duty test simply because their doctor recommended eight hours of sleep.
- NMDOT has suggested that training on equipment like chainsaws is optional.
- NMCD continues to shut down mandatory security posts within the prisons.

The best way to honor those we have lost is by protecting those still here. Let’s make safety a priority every single day, because everyone deserves to go home safe.

04/17/2026

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

04/12/2026

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.

04/02/2026

Democracy in Action: AFSCME Local 1211 Election Conducted

We are proud to announce that on March 31, the state employee membership of AFSCME Local 1211 in Albuquerque and Torrance counties elected its new Executive Board. This dedicated team is prepared to advocate, organize, and fight for the rights, dignity, and working conditions of our members.

President Collin Smith, a senior Highway Maintainer Worker with the Department of Transportation, was elected by acclamation. A longtime steward, executive board member, and PEOPLE activist, President Smith noted that his experience in organizing and handling grievances has taught him "the importance of listening to workers’ needs and standing up for their rights."

Joining President Smith on the Local 1211 Executive Board are:

- Vice President: Charlie Blea (DOT)
- Recording Secretary: Lena Stoker (HCA)
- Secretary-Treasurer: Keenen Albritton (TRD)
- Executive Board Members: Khallen Korte (DWS), Ralph Terrazas (DOT), and Kayla Scott (HCA)
- Trustees: Monica Garcia (TRD), Ernesto Rodriquez (DOT), and Alonso Cordova (TRD)

Their leadership arrives at a critical time, and we look forward to the energy and commitment they will bring to strengthening our union.

Please join us in congratulating the new board as they begin their terms. Together, AFSCME in New Mexico remains united and committed to lifting up every voice in our workplaces.

Pictured below are members attending the elections meeting and the Executive Board being sworn in.

03/31/2026

03/28/2026

Stacey Abrams at the new Kings Rally in Albuquerque