FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 26, 2024

Felecia Pohl, 505-403-7914

Rep. Stansbury Meets Unions, Trade Programs

Congresswoman hosts conversation about trades career pipeline

ALBUQUERQUE—Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) hosted a roundtable with local labor unions and trade programs to discuss the future of the classroom to career pipeline for trades jobs in New Mexico.  

"Unions keep our workforce strong and ensure workers are protected," said Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). "I am proud to be union strong. The conversation proved the future is bright for union work and trades jobs in New Mexico."

Congresswoman Stansbury was part of a group of Congressional Democrats who passed once-in-a-generation funding for infrastructure projects across the country. She is working with the Biden-Harris Administration and the Governor Lujan Grisham’s office to ensure that money comes to New Mexico to create good-paying jobs.

But there is a critical need for New Mexicans to complete these jobs. This roundtable which included labor leaders and educators was one step to finding solutions to gaps in the state. The Congresswoman spoke with leaders about strengthening the pipeline in the state and keeping the highly trained workforce in the state.  

“It was an honor to host Congresswoman Stansbury’s round table discussion regarding the continuing need for New Mexican trades professionals,” said Mark Trujillo, Political Director IBEW 611. “At the International Brotherhood Electrical Workers, we feel it is paramount — on the state and federal level — that work be done to create pathways for New Mexican careers of the future through union-trade apprenticeship programs. We appreciate the Congresswoman’s engagement and leadership on these issues.”

Some of the Congresswoman’s work to support workers includes:  

Introduced the Rail Worker and Community Safety Act - this bill will make much needed improvements to federal rail safety regulations, including mandates for a two-person crew, changes to ways hazardous materials can be transported, increases funding for rail safety inspectors, and codifies mandatory sick leave for all rail workers.  

Co-sponsored the most important legislation needed to support our unions - PRO Act - this comprehensive bill is aimed at strengthening labor rights by amending key labor laws to enhance protections for workers, particularly in union organizations and collective bargaining efforts. This legislation seeks to ensure fair labor practices, empower workers and address penalties for violations while facilitating union elections through modern means like electronic voting.

Co-sponsored the Workers Protecting Our Wage Earners Rights (POWER) Act - This legislation seeks to improve the capacity, pipeline, and resources of the Department of Labor to more robustly enforce labor law and crack down on wage theft, child labor, occupational safety and health hazards, and other labor violations.

Co-sponsored the Apprentice-Related Childcare (ARCC) Act - This bill will establish a grant program for States to financially support apprentices' access to childcare, thus encouraging the completion of apprenticeship programs.

Authored a letter to the National Mediation Board - with the Labor Caucus, signed by over 170 Members of Congress to expedite flight attendant contract negotiations. The letter emphasizes the need for timely resolutions for workers under the NLRA to ensure essential workers receive the contracts and protections they deserve.

The Congresswoman was joined by:  

LiUNA: Darrell Deaguero, President

Ironworkers Local 495: Jefferey Steele, Business Manager

Plumber and Pipefitters UA 412: Joan Baker, Director

Western States Regional Council of Carpenters: Matthew Suarez, Representative

SMART LU 49: Iris Urquidi, Training Coordinator  

New Mexico Building Trades: Brian Condit, Executive Director  

IBEW 611: Mark Trujillo, Assistant Business Manager  

CNM: Erin Johnson Kruft, Interim Dean of Skilled Trades

CNM: Amardeep Kahlon, Vice President of Education and Learning

See photos and video from the event here.