Brothers and Sisters, and those of the M-Series Bargaining Unit:

I am writing to the entire M-Series Bargaining Unit of the City of Albuquerque.  This letter is to inform you that we are going to conduct a ratification vote of our Collective Bargaining Agreement.  As you may or may not know, this Agreement contains our new wages, hours, and our conditions of employment, which includes health care benefits.  This new Agreement also incorporates an exclusive and new grievance procedure as well as new sections addressing issues never before negotiated.

Brothers and Sisters, this is the first time in the history of the City of Albuquerque that a Tentative Agreement such as this has been brought before you, the governing body of the Union.  I cannot emphasize enough how monumental your decision will be in affecting our current and future terms and conditions of employment.  Without full participation of every Bargaining Unit Member the opportunity will be lost.  This is not the time to let a few determine our livelihood, for ourselves and our families for the rest of our lives (PERA).

The ratification vote will occur on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at the Albuquerque Convention Center, in the Locienaga room, (look for signs) from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm.  The Union will have presentations at 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm.  Please take advantage of this opportunity to vote! All Bargaining Unit Members will have the opportunity to vote, view and ask questions on details of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (contract).  Further information will be available at the registration table.

In Solidarity,

Andrew Padilla

President, AFSCME Local 3022