Thank you for your participation in our recent negotiations survey. Your comments were very helpful. We had a good response and we will be consulting your surveys as the negotiations team works on the proposals.

OPEIU Local 251 is endorsing Martin Heinrich. Martin is running for Congress. Sue and Amy have come in contact with him at political events and he came to talk with the Executive Board of Local 251. Martin brought his young son with him because his other son and and his wife were home with the flu. He is a good family man, he is down to earth, and he is obviously smart on the issues that concern working people. Martin's father was a member of IBEW. Martin's mother worked long hours as an unrepresented employee. At a young age, Martin learned the positive difference unions can make in pay and benefits for their members. Martin is an effective leader and he gets things done. He has the support of thousands of New Mexicans who are hungry for change. If you want an opportunity to meet and talk with Martin, let Sue and Amy know. They will be able to arrange for Martin to come talk to you at a General Membership Meeting.

SAFETY: More than three decades ago, Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act, promising every worker the right to a safe job. Unions and our allies have fought hard to make that promise a reality--winning protections that have saved hundreds of thousands of lives and prevented millions of workplace injuries. Nonetheless, the toll of workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths remains enormous. In 2006, more than 4.1 million workers were injured and 5,703 workers were killed due to job hazards. Another 50,000 died due to occupational diseases. Isn't it time for improvement? Your work is a big part of your life. Shouldn't you have a safe work environment? Shouldn't all workers?