Nearly 30 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) attended the New Mexico State Council (NMSC) conference in Santa Fe at the end of January. The event, organized by NMSC President John Dyrcz and Secretary Treasurer Tina Davis, included speeches from state politicians, IAM leaders, and union members. Council officers were elected during the two-day meeting, which also gave delegates a chance to lobby lawmakers and meet political candidates.
“This is a great opportunity to engage IAM members on a grassroots level and set a political agenda for the new year,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “This is a big year because the election cycle will include the midterms in November.”
Gubernatorial candidates from both major parties addressed attendees about their plans for supporting unions if elected. Democrats Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman were among those who spoke.
“I am impressed with slate of candidates in attendance who are running for New Mexico governor,” said IAM Resident Vice President Jody Bennett. “The fact that those candidates took time out of their busy schedule to visit us shows the political power of the New Mexico State Council and the IAM voting bloc.”
Delegates used part of their time at the state capitol building, known as the Roundhouse, to advocate for legislation aimed at attracting and keeping medical professionals in New Mexico, especially in rural areas.
“We lobbied in support of a bill that would reform New Mexico’s Medical Malpractice laws to attract and retain medical professionals throughout our state, especially in rural communities,” said NMSC President John Dyrcz. “We had one-on-one meetings with legislators and visited offices to inform them of Machinist Council support for this critical legislation. The day after we lobbied, that bill passed its first committee hearing on a bipartisan vote of 7-3.”
The next NMSC conference is scheduled for June 26 in Albuquerque, where endorsements for statewide candidates will be announced.
“We are a politically diverse State Council, and despite these ideological differences, we can engage, debate, and learn without losing sight that we all want what’s best for New Mexicans and our IAM families,” said Dyrcz. “Our mutual respect for one another makes us stronger.”
