NMFL Solidarity Action with Utility Workers Union of America

Political Alliance Defending Public Services Launched in Roswell, N.M.

Roswell, N.M. – Organizations representing working families will announce the launch of a new political alliance to defend public services for residents of Roswell and Chaves County on Monday, May 22, 2017, 9:00 a.m. at Roswell City Hall, 425 N. Richardson.

The new alliance will focus on voter education and registration as well as recruiting, screening, and endorsing candidates for public office. The alliance will mobilize behind candidates who support essential public services, without regard to political parties.

“Working families cannot afford to ignore the political process when it comes to critical public services,” stated Patrick Lopez, president of Utility Workers Union of America Local 51, which represents hourly employees of the City of Roswell.

“Roswell employees have become alarmed that many members of City Council have placed a low priority on the delivery of basic public services in city budgets during recent years. We are pleased to join with other groups to help make working family issues a top priority in our community.”

Jon Hendry, president of the New Mexico Federation of Labor, also expressed support for the goals of the new alliance.

“We stand strong with working families in Roswell and Chaves County as we build this alliance,” stated Hendry. “This alliance will serve to remind our elected leaders that, while corporations may own America, it is the workers who run America, guard America, and educate America. Workers’ voices must be heard!”

Representatives of member organizations will detail plans for the new alliance at an event outside Roswell City Hall on Monday, May 22. Participants will include Jon Hendry, president of the New Mexico Federation of Labor; Patrick Lopez, president of UWUA Local 51; Denise Dawson, president of the Roswell Education Association; and representatives of other organizations.

Who: Organizations representing working families in Roswell and Chaves County

What: A new political alliance to defend critical public services for area residents

When: Monday, May 22, 2017, 9:00 a.m.

Where: Roswell City Hall, 425 N. Richardson, Roswell, New Mexico

For more information contact:
May 19, 2017
Mark Brooks, Utility Workers Union of America
615.259.1186 – markbrooks@uwua.net

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