(ALMAGORDO, NEW MEXICO) – Corrections Officers (COs) who keep the Otero County Detention Center in New Mexico safe and operating are celebrating their Union.  

The New Mexico Public Employee Labor Relations Board certified the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) New Mexico in October to represent the COs at that facility.   

“These Officers, like so many Public Safety Employees across the country, are understaffed, underpaid and doing some of the most difficult and demanding work imaginable. They deserve respect, fair compensation, safe working conditions and a meaningful voice on the job,” AFSCME New Mexico said in a statement that was shared on Social Media.   

After the Workers filed their petition for representation on April 1st, Otero County threw up roadblocks, including claiming an organization that had been inactive for decades was still representing the Officers, according to AFSCME New Mexico.  

The County’s response made the COs realize that their voices and workplace concerns weren’t priorities for their employer.  

“Now, the Officers have taken an important step forward,” the Workers’ Union said. “With AFSCME New Mexico certified as their representative, they have a Union that can stand with them, fight for their interests and work toward the fair treatment and better working conditions they deserve.” 

Public Safety Professionals around the country are increasingly turning to AFSCME to build power at work, advocate for safety, secure better wages, improve health care benefits and ensure a stable retirement.

AFSCME Members in Corrections, Law Enforcement and Emergency Response defend our freedoms and those of the communities they serve.  

To Directly Access This Organizing Labor News Story, Go To: New Mexico corrections officers enjoy a big union victory - AFSCME