Op-ed column by NMSU President Michael Martin

For about six months AFSCME, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, has had people in Las Cruces attempting to organize and represent New Mexico State University staff. Much has been said about NMSU by AFSCME.   They have characterized this administration as anti-union and have alleged that NMSU is "in crisis."

            Let me state clearly, unambiguously and emphatically the policy and position of this administration with respect to a union on campus. We are entirely neutral with respect to AFSCME or any other union. We have intelligent, dedicated, truly outstanding employees at NMSU.   If after an open, factual, participatory conversation our employees choose to organize under AFSCME, we will respect their decision and work with them to ensure this institution continues its excellent service to the people of New Mexico. Our position is as simple and direct as that.

            We have appointed a local labor relations board as prescribed by state law to ensure a fair and balanced process for union-employee discussions.

            In the spirit of openness and accuracy, I do feel compelled to respond to a few of the assertions and allegations AFSCME has made about the working conditions and performance of NMSU.

            BENEFIT COSTS:   It is correct that NMSU's health care costs are higher than for many other public employees. There are several reasons for high health care costs and two are especially relevant to the situation at NMSU. First, we allow employees who retire to remain in our health insurance pool. This pool tends to have more and higher claims than the pool of current employees, and our costs are driven by claims. Second, we have employees statewide and costs of medical care vary significantly across the state. Costs in rural areas are certainly higher than in urban areas.

            So, here's my question for AFSCME: Are you advocating that we kick retirees out of the pool and charge differential insurance rates by region based on cost differentials? If so, you will get an argument from me.

            ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS: At NMSU the cost of administration is about 5.5 percent. This places us at about the mean of our peer institutions. Still, we are working to gain efficiencies and lower the costs of administrative functions to maximize the resources dedicated directly to teaching, research and outreach.

            Questions for AFSCME: How much would the monthly AFSCME dues be for NMSU employees? What would AFSCME do with the accumulated dues? What percentage would go to AFSCME administration?

            GRADUATION RATES: In its "White Paper," AFSCME is critical of NMSU's graduation rates. It's worth noting that, according to the Commission on Higher Education (CHE), NMSU has the highest overall fifth-, sixth-, seventh-, eighth- and ninth-year graduation rates in the New Mexico system. Still, we know full well that we have to do better.

            Also according to the CHE, there are at least two major reasons for New Mexico's relatively low six-year graduation rates. First, 55 percent of the students in the system are part-time, working students (many are also parents) who must, by necessity, extend their education beyond six years. This is why we have fairly strong graduation rates beyond six years.

            The second reason, according to the CHE, is that drop-out rates are high among Hispanic and Native American students. Within the system, NMSU has the highest graduation rates for Hispanic and Native American students and continues to work to improve them.

            Is it AFSCME's position that we should limit admissions for these students? If so, we strongly disagree. We believe in giving every student a chance and continually seeking ways to help them succeed.

            STAFF PARTICIPATION IN UNIVERSITY POLICY: At a recent legislative hearing, an AFSCME spokesperson asserted that staff at NMSU play no role in policy decisions.   This is not the case.

            For many years staff has had an elected group, the Advisory Council on Administrative Policy (ACAP). The ACAP leadership is represented in virtually every policy-making council and activity. The ACAP chair sits on our Administrative Council and is on every Board of Regents meeting agenda. Moreover, ACAP consistently has a member on each search committee when we fill administrative positions.

            Is AFSCME unaware of ACAP or do they contend that ACAP is ineffective?

            As our employees carefully consider unionization, we will answer questions and respond to inquiries as accurately and as promptly as possible. We urge AFSCME to do the same.