During a recent government meeting, the chief organizer for the United Health Professionals in New Mexico, who is also a registered nurse, addressed ongoing issues regarding the recognition of PRNs (per diem nurses) under union contracts in the state. The speaker highlighted that several hospitals, including Santa Fe Christus and facilities in Taos, have acknowledged PRNs as part of their union agreements, indicating a precedent for such recognition.

The speaker criticized the reluctance of certain entities to voluntarily recognize the union, attributing this to the hiring of expensive legal representation, specifically mentioning the Bridal law firm. They expressed frustration over what they described as a continuous shifting of goals by these entities, which initially opposed unionization and have since raised new objections regarding the inclusion of charge nurses in union discussions.

In a positive note, the speaker announced an upcoming community event in January, co-hosted by the AFT and the United Health Professionals of New Mexico, which will feature a giveaway of 40,000 books, health screenings, and voter registration efforts. The event aims to engage the community and address health education, with hopes of collaboration from local police and fire departments.