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Bernalillo County – Bernalillo County commissioners have adopted a new county ordinance requiring community workforce agreements for public works projects in excess of $7 million.
Under the ordinance, the successful contract bidder on public works construction projects, that meet the ordinance criteria, will be required to sign a master labor agreement with the county directing the hire of New Mexico construction workforce before hiring out-of-state labor. The ordinance covers projects that employ three or more trades and the community workforce agreement requires that contractors provide workers with health benefits and worksite safety.
Commissioners James Collie and Debbie O’Malley were co-sponsors of the ordinance.
“This ordinance looks out for critical essential workers in our community who have continued to work in building trades during this coronavirus pandemic.is an opportunity to support all of New Mexico’s workforce, both union and non-union,” says Commissioner Debbie O’Malley.
“Construction work is hard work, it takes a toll physically and men and women in this field are at a higher risk of getting injured on the job.”
A public works project is described as and includes all site preparation, construction, abatement, demolition, renovation, rehabilitation and improvement.
The County Commission approved the community workforce ordinance on a 4 to 1 vote with Chair Lonnie Talbert dissenting.
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This content originally appeared as a press release from Bernalillo County.