MLG Chooses Union Over Our Veterans
The recent decision by the New Mexico Department of Health to eliminate overtime pay only for non-union health care employees will have a direct impact on the ability of the New Mexico State Veterans’ Home to fill vacancies, be fully staffed during all shifts, and provide the best care for those who served in the armed services.
This policy puts the health and safety of veterans, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities at risk, as it exacerbates the existing statewide shortage of health care workers, creating challenges in filling critical staffing gaps.
With the implementation of a “comp time” policy in place of actual overtime pay, staff may never be able to take the time off they have earned due to the lack of replacements. This not only affects the financial well-being of the staff themselves, who rely on overtime pay to meet their goals, but also jeopardizes the quality of care provided at state facilities.
The decision to prioritize partisan politics over the crucial services provided by these essential workers is concerning, especially when the state is experiencing record breaking surpluses. There is not a logical reason to jeopardize the well-being of those who rely on state facilities for their care.
It is clear that this decision is more about political interests and catering to the union, one of MLG’s biggest donors than it is about ensuring access to quality health care.
The Department of Health must reconsider this harmful policy and explore alternative solutions to support the hard-working employees who provide essential services to veterans and other vulnerable populations. The DOH should prioritize the well-being of those in its care and reverse this misguided policy change immediately. No one should be sacrificed for partisan politics, especially those who have sacrificed so much in service to our country.
s/Rebecca Dow
T-or-C, NM