Advocates, organizers, workers, elected officials celebrate!

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Workers celebrating the implementation of New Mexico’s new paid sick leave law came together today to discuss how the new policy will impact their lives and the lives of their families. They were joined by elected officials who sponsored and championed the legislation, as well as advocates and organizers from organizations who fought to pass this law. 

“Workers across the state fought hard to make this a reality,” said Yolanda Muñoz, a hotel worker and a member of Somos Lea County who has lived in Hobbs for 17 years and has 2 children. “But in rural communities like Hobbs, we can’t always depend on our local, and sometimes state government, to enforce the law. That means we will work even harder to ensure employers are living up to their responsibility and ensure workers organize and exercise their right to earn paid sick leave.”

Starting July 1, the Healthy Workplaces Act will ensure that all New Mexico workers working for private employers will be able to earn up to eight days of paid sick leave a year. For every 30 hours of work, workers including temporary workers, part time workers, and seasonal workers, will earn one hour of sick leave. Those paid sick leave days can be used as mental health days, to care for a loved one or family member, and even to cover absences necessary for those experiencing domestic violence. 

Workers state-wide will benefit from the first law of its kind in New Mexico and one of the most progressive paid leave laws in the nation. 

“The pandemic has been very difficult for me. I tested positive for Covid and was forced to take a leave of absence in my job without pay. On top of this my parents also contracted Covid and I became their caregiver…thanks to this new law I will be able to demand my sick leave when I need it” said Mayela Solano, a member of Somos Un Pueblo Unido.

“Workers are the foundation of our economy. By adopting paid sick leave, New Mexico finally ensures our workers can take care of themselves and their families when someone gets sick. This creates a stronger and more resilient workforce and makes New Mexico a more desirable place to live,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart. 

Former Albuquerque City Councilor Lan Sena, who championed the city effort to pass the paid sick leave law said, “The enactment of paid sick leave on July 1st is a historic day in which workers have been fighting for, for about seven years. From the push to adopt paid sick leave at the City and County level and finally with its adoption at the state to encompass all workers has been the fight for a safer, more healthy community – one of which will no longer have to question their ability to put food on the table or go to work sick.”

“New Mexico workers often care for extended family members. It’s one of the things I love most about living here. I help care for my aging family. Under the paid sick leave law, I can take them to their medical appointments without retribution or worry about lost wages. They don’t have to worry they are creating a financial burden for our family. Families are unique and I appreciate the law recognizing and valuing our uniqueness,” said Jennifer Santini, New Mexico Working Families Party member. 

“While it is a relief to know we’re taking a step forward with paid sick leave starting in New Mexico, there’s still work to do,” said Representative Angelica Rubio “We need to continue the work, move forward, and we know that New Mexico is still a beacon and will continue to be a beacon for the rest of the country, and the world.”

“I have written letters to my boss so I or my wife, Dona, can go to the doctor, even for just half a day off without pay. It is always denied. July 1st is going to make a big difference in how I can take care of myself and my wife. I worry that my boss will ignore the law since I have experienced retaliation at 3 different jobs in the last year for asking for time off. Workers like me need DWS to hold our bosses accountable and make sure every one of my coworkers knows their rights,” said Steve Orgeron, OLÉ member. 

“No one should have to choose between a paycheck and protecting their and their loved ones’ health. Yet half of New Mexicans who work for private employers have to do exactly that because their employer does not provide paid sick leave. This law will ensure that workers get this basic right. We thank the workers from across the state who spoke out and advocated to legislators, and who won this victory,” said Felipe Guevara of the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty.

“We are one of few states in the country that require employers to provide paid sick leave for all of their employees. It really indicates how we collectively care about our people, and how we care about supporting our families. And I’m proud to be part of the movement that will continue these kinds of efforts going forward,” said Representative Christine Chandler.

View the press conference on Facebook Live here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1072821786697154