Media advisory for:
7 p.m., Sept. 17, 2024
Janet Bass
jbass@aft.org
301-502-5222
Lt. Gov. Morales, State Rep. Cates and County Commissioner Bruch Among Panelists
RIO RANCHO, N.M.—The Union of Health Professionals of New Mexico is holding a first-of-its-kind community forum on Sept. 17 to discuss with the public the serious and ongoing safety and staffing issues affecting patient healing conditions at University of New Mexico Sandoval Regional Medical Center. Panelists will include Lt. Gov. Howie Morales, a state representative, a county commissioner, a patient, two nurses, AFT and District 1199NM officials.
“This is an opportunity to discuss with the public the distressing state of patient healing conditions and working conditions at UNM SRMC and talk about what the hospital and its workers can accomplish together at the bargaining table to improve conditions,” said Stephanie Ly, a resident of Rio Rancho and deputy senior director of organizing and field services with the AFT, the parent union of UHPNM.
After nearly three years of delays because of hospital challenges to avoid bargaining a first contract, UNM SRMC agreed to start bargaining on Sept. 18. This comes on the heels of a district court ruling that the hospital must begin negotiations on all terms and conditions of employment and include nurses and other health professionals as well as PRNs, who are fully credentialed regular employees with flexible shifts.
WHAT:
Community Forum on Quality and Accountability at UNM SRMC
WHEN: 7-8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 17
WHERE:
The HUB @ Enchanted Hills
7845 Enchanted Hill Blvd. NE
Rio Rancho, N.M
WHO:
Lt. Gov. Howie Morales
State Rep. Kathleen Cates
County Commissioner Katherine Bruch
Kyle Arnone, head of collective bargaining for the AFT, parent union of UHPNM
Yolanda Ulmer, CEO of District 1199NM
Carole Goode, patient
Gigi Regusis, RN at UNM SRMC
Meisha Hunt, RN, PRN at UNM SRMC
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