President's Message,

 

The NUCA of NM Board of Directors voted to become a plaintiff in the lawsuit against Senate Bill 33 that was signed into law by Governor Richardson on April 7, 2009. 

 

You followed the battle that NUCA of NM fought on your behalf on SB33 Public Works Project Prevailing Wage; we kept you informed every step of the way. This bill received unprecedented support and was signed into law on April 7, 2009.

As an industry, utility contractors and all associated businesses must stand together to stop this travesty.

 

Here's why:
 
1. Our constitutional rights have been violated. This law will do away with the current wage rate survey and replace it with Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) to determine prevailing wage rates.
CBAs are determined solely by union construction companies that participate in Collective Bargaining. Union construction companies make up about seven percent (7%) of ALL construction companies in the state. That means that 93% of the construction companies in the state will no longer participate in the prevailing wage rate determination.
 
2. The use of CBAs to determine prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits will significantly increase costs to the state. This means there will be less work available for our industry as the state's purchasing power will be sharply reduced. This is harmful to the utility contractor as well as material manufacturers and suppliers.
 
3. As taxpayers, we will get far less for our dollars. All construction trades will be affected; therefore, we will deplete money budgeted for state projects quicker, leaving less work for our contractors and their employees. With less work, there will be less material purchased.
 
The battle is not over! We cannot afford to let this law take effect on July 1, 2009. NUCA of NM's  Board of Directors has voted unanimously to join others in filing a joint lawsuit to stop it.

 

Please consider donating to the NUCA of NM  Legal Defense Fund that will pay NUCA of NM's portion of the lawsuit expenses.  Please contact the Association office (505 888 0752) or download the form by clicking on the link below and mail a check to the Association office.  

 

We must unite and be ready to protect our interests. If we don't protect the interests of our business and employees, no one else will. 

 

 

 A contribution - in any amount - will help us keep up the fight for you, your business and your employees! 
 
 

Thank you,