Speech about making NM a “right to work” state draws protesters

Mark Mix, National Right to Work Committee president

From Capitol Report New Mexico - Should New Mexico become a “right to work” state? Yes, says Mark Mix of the National Right to Work Committee, who spoke to about 75 people at a luncheon in Albuquerque hosted by the Rio Grande Foundation on Tuesday (Sept. 12), saying that his group estimates New Mexico’s economy could add about 42,000 jobs if it passed legislation prohibiting closed union shops – that is, requiring owners to hire only union members should employees decide to establish a union in that workplace. But about a dozen union protesters outside the luncheon gathered in opposition to any such legislation, saying it will hurt work workers across the state. Among those attending the luncheon was Lt. Governor John Sanchez who told the audience he’ll work to pass right to work legislation in the upcoming Roundhouse session that begins in January. Back in 1979 and 1981, New Mexico came very close to become a “right to work” state. Legislation passed the state House of Representatives and Senate in contentious debate sessions but then-Gov. Bruce King vetoed the bills each time. There are currently 23 states in the US that are classified as “right to work.” Read more

Speech about making NM a “right to work” state draws protesters