The New Mexico State University Board of Regents held an emergency meeting on Friday morning to ratify the collaborative bargaining agreement between the university and the workers' union.
On April 19, 2007, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the university came to an agreement over increases in employee wages and other issues.
According to general counsel Bruce Kite, who read the contract to the board, said the three-year contract agreement will go into effect on July 1, 2007.
Dave Paladino, a member of AFSCME, said the contract is set up in three phases, one for each year of the contract. During the first year, all employees earning less than $30,000, whether a member of AFSCME or not, will receive a 5 percent pay raise.
"Five percent went for all university employees earning under $30,000, which would have never had happened before,"said Charles Harster, records specialist. He said normally pay increases depend on cost of living and merit. "It's important for all of us to receive fair pay."
Also, during the first year, employees earning above $30,000 will receive 4.5 raise and 0.5 percent applied to merit increase.
During the second phase, going into effect July 1, 2008, employees earning less than $30,000 will receive a 5 percent pay increase, and employees earning more than $30,000 will receive a 3.5 percent raise and 1.5 percent applied merit increase.
During the third phase, going into effect July 1, 2009, employees earning less than $30,000 will once again receive a 5 percent pay increase. As for those earning more than $30,000, they will receive a 3.5 percent raise and 1.5 percent applied merit increase.
Another benefit of the new contract agreement is employees' health insurance costs will drop 43 to 50 percent. This will also be conducted in a phased plan over three years. This means the average employee with family coverage will save more than $5,300 over the three years.
Other gains are service pay has been expanded to 25 years and 30 years, extra on-call pay, formation of a labor committee and a grievance process.
The regents unanimously approved the motion.
"I truly believe this is the right thing to do," said Bob Gallagher, Board of Regents vice chair. He said if the legislation does not appropriate the funds, then new negotiations will be necessary.
Nate Cote, a state representative who helped with negotiations when they had reached a deadlock, said he saw great success with the negotiations.
"This is good for the university and its employees and the community," Cote said. "It shows fairness and commitment."
Kite said the contract will be available for anyone to look at on the university's Web site 30 days after being executed.
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