The University of New Mexico Hospital has agreed on a contract with United Health Professionals NM division of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), which will represent about 400 clinical employees working at UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center – A Campus of UNM Hospital (SRMC).
The most recent round of bargaining began on September 18, 2024 with teams meeting nine times before agreeing on a collective bargaining agreement. The contract covers employment terms for both regular and PRN (pro re nata) employees. The agreement includes a 3% wage increase for the employees. This wage increase is consistent with increases other UNM Hospital employees received earlier this year. Union members voted to ratify the contract, so the wage increase for AFT’s members became effective October 13, 2024.
“I’m pleased the negotiation teams were able to come together at the table and reach an agreement. I appreciate the time and dedicated effort that went into every meeting over the last month. Our employees deserve the focus and collaboration that was required to get this done.”
While PRNs are included in this current agreement, both UNM Hospital and AFT are still waiting for a final ruling from a New Mexico District Court judge to decide whether PRNs can be included in the bargaining unit. New Mexico law currently states only “regular employees” can lawfully be included into a bargaining unit. Since PRN employees are freelance workers, UNM Hospital has long held that it would be unlawful to include them in public union membership. However, in the spirit of bargaining in good faith, UNM Hospital agreed to include PRNs into the bargaining group while the two sides wait for the judge’s ruling that will determine whether PRNs remain in the membership group or not.
“This is great news for our clinical employees here at SRMC who work hard to deliver high-quality and safe care to every patient who comes through our hospital doors. We remain committed to providing the very best care to our patients while also supporting our staff who selflessly put their patients first.”