Dear Grad Workers,
Our first bargaining session with the university concluded at 5pm yesterday. We presented our first proposal: an annual cost of living adjustment to grad salaries tied to inflation. We’re all aware of the cost of living crisis facing us. Soaring food prices, fuel prices, rent prices. If the rate of inflation is 5 percent, and we receive a 2 percent raise, then that amounts to a 3 percent decrease in our effective wages. This is untenable. We will not accept this.
In addition, we proposed a raise for the 2025-2026 year to push our wages closer to a living wage for Las Cruces. Our current salaries do not constitute a living wage, and a substantial change is necessary to bring us closer to the compensation we need to live, flourish, and continue to keep this university running.
NMSU's Offer: 1% raise
NMSU ignored our proposals. They insulted us with an offer of a 1 percent raise, while inflation has lowered the value of our pay by over 3 percent since January of 2025. This is an effective pay cut of over 2 percent. Given the geopolitical context, inflation will only get worse. Their counter offer is unacceptable. NMSU claims their proposal is constrained by their budget. NMSU seems to have forgotten that they make their own budget, and they decide what to prioritize. Their proposal makes it clear that they do not prioritize the well-being of their grad workers. They do not prioritize your well-being. NMSU is making a choice to underpay and overwork the graduate workers that run this university.
The only way we’ll walk away from the table with a real raise is if you get involved. Check your email for details on how to get involved, sign a card if you haven’t, and spread the bargaining support petition to every grad you know.
In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Committee