The latest stats are from 2019 and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They put NM union membership at only 7.1 percent of the workforce of 813,000. Colorado is at 9 percent and Arizona just 5.7 percent.
Overall in the USA union membership was 10.3 percent of the workforce in 2019, down 0.2 percent from 2018, say the Feds.
While the unions lack big numbers they still have muscle, especially those for government workers such as teachers and also in the construction trades. Right in time for this Labor Day Bernalillo County proposed. . .
Unions could play a guaranteed role on the next major Bernalillo County construction project under proposed legislation going soon before the County Commission. Supporters say the “Community Workforce Ordinance” could mean more local workers on job sites and ensure they have health benefits, while opponents dispute that.
Whether a member of a labor union or not the public has rediscovered the value of working men and women during the pandemic. Grocery store clerks, nurses and other front line workers are celebrated for their bravery and service. As they should be.
LET THE POLLS BEGIN
For the professional political class campaigns are now multi-year events but the general public doesn't really start paying attention until about now, on Labor Day. What that public is thinking as Campaign 2020 comes into focus will be better known Sunday when the ABQ Journal unveils its first poll of the season looking at key races and issues.
The Journal, facing financial challenges like most papers, took a pass on polling in the June primary for the first time since they started their surveys 25 years ago. But the paper appears to be back full strength for the fall cycle and will do not just one but several surveys, says longtime pollster Brian Sanderoff.
The race most watched is that featuring Dem US Rep. Xochitl Torres Small and Republican Yvette Herrell who is trying to unseat XTS after losing to her in 2018. The only public poll conducted of the the contest was for the GOP and showed the race tied in early July. Will it stay that way? The Journal's scientific surveys employ live interviews with likely NM voters so the poll should give us a good idea where that contest stands and then we are really off to the races.
SEEKING POLL WORKERS
It's no secret that most poll workers on Election Day are well into their 60's or older. Normally that's not a big deal, but this year with older folks more susceptible to COVID the Secretary of State is asking younger people to take on the job of poll workers to further public safety. The gig lasts for some 12 hours on election day and minimum pay is $7.25 an hour, but it's a public service and afterwards you can hook up with coworkers at a favorite brewpub and watch the election returns. The form to apply is here.
COME FLY WITH ME
. . . a streamlined menu, increased functionality and an attractive, cutting-edge design. These improvements help create a better user-experience and allow travelers to get the information they need, when they need it.
The site is indeed an improvement. If you don't plan on any travel but still yearn for a look at your favorite airport, there's a webpage highlighting the outstanding and unique art that greets locals and visitors alike at the state's welcoming gateway.
That's it for now. Homebound or away, have a Happy Labor Day.
Frank, take us out of here and into the air.
Reporting from Albuquerque, I'm Joe Monahan and. . . .
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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2020