Big Happenings on the New Mexico Law Enforcement Scene

April 20, 2005

Local 7911 has been especially active in recent months in New Mexico. Local 7911's flagship affiliate – the Rio Rancho Department of Public Safety Association (DPSA), recently concluded a historic 3-year agreement on behalf of a 160+ combined police, fire, and dispatcher unit that raises Rio Rancho to pay comparability with Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. Over the 3-year life of the agreement, the various unit classifications will receive wage increases between 12% and 30%.

"This contract is one of the best ever negotiated in New Mexico," stated DPSA President Sean Bergen. "Rio Rancho is now the third largest city in the state, and our City Administrator and Council recognize the importance of Rio Rancho remaining competitive with the major city and county governments in New Mexico."
On the organizing front, Local 7911 won a key representation victory over the FOP in Dona Ana County (where Las Cruces is located in Southeastern New Mexico). This 104-member unit was in Local 7911 during the nineties, but fell out when the New Mexico public employee bargaining law expired in 1999. "This vote was important for Local 7911," President Steve Harvey said. "It shows that NCPSO/CWA and our Local continue to be competitive in recruiting New Mexico law enforcement officers."

In early April, the Local and its Santa Fe County unit – the Deputy Sheriff's Association, conducted a joint training on contract enforcement. NCPSO/CWA Director John Burpo and Local 7911 President Steve Harvey assisted with the training of DSA leaders and stewards on how to handle grievance issues. "This training was much needed and well received by our leaders," DSA President Jeremy Garcia said. "We now have better understanding of how to file and present grievances for resolution with County officials."