Union Leaders Hail N.M. Collective-Bargaining Bill

By Karen Diegmueller

Stymied for nearly a decade in their attempts to mandate collective bargaining in every state, the nation's teachers' unions have made a breakthrough in New Mexico with the passage of a law that allows teachers and other public-sector employees to negotiate as a unit.

The law, signed this month by Gov. Bruce King, marks the first time since 1983 that a state has enacted a collective-bargaining law covering public-school teachers.

"We believe the passage of SB 99 is the most significant accomplishment for N.E.A.-[New Mexico] and New Mexico school employees in modern history,'' the National Education Association state affiliate wrote in a memorandum to...