AGC supports the New Mexico workers’ compensation system as the center for the process of treatment, rehabilitation and compensation for disability resulting from accidental workplace injury. Any proposed changes to the New Mexico workers’ compensation statutes should come through the partnership composed of labor and management interests in the Business/Labor Coalition on Workers Compensation Reform and be supported by the Workers Compensation Advisory Council. Any reforms coming from outside this line of influence do not have the support of both labor and management and costs and impact upon the system have not been considered. Changes which come as a result of court decisions have resulted in unplanned expansion of the law. With respect to necessary changes to the law proposed by labor or management, both interests are necessary so that benefits, costs, and coverage availability are considered from all sides.

It is important that injured workers are treated and if applicable--compensated. It is also important that the cost and availability of coverage be considered so that New Mexico can continue to grow and prosper. Since 1990, the state has honored the process of labor and management working together on changes to the workers’ compensation statutes. The labor/management coalition began more than a decade ago has created one of the best workers’ compensation programs in the nation. The coalition must be preserved.

Opposition to the established process may come from one or another group with a perceived straight-line-of-access to the power of decision makers in the state. One may have greater access in the Roundhouse or the Governor’s office and intends to force unilateral change to the system. Another group hopes to engrave in statute the definition of “exclusive remedy” that is the foundation of the workers’ compensation system thereby limiting consideration of the impact of all the factors involved in an accidental workplace injury. Both of these actions represent proposal of changes outside the established process.

Future changes to the system must include the combined and balanced recommendations of labor and management interests. The current law was developed together by these groups, and they must be required to work together for changes that are mutually beneficial.

For more information,please contact John Horton of the Associated General Contractors-New Mexico Building Branch at 505-842-1462.

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