Teamsters Local 492 |

So-Called Right to Work Laws Don’t Boost Jobs

Feb 19, 2015

A study released in early March shows “right-to-work” laws hurt economies and don’t create jobs. The study by the Economic Policy Institute concludes: (1) So-called right-to-work laws have not increased employment growth in the states that have adopted them; (2) The case of Oklahoma, which in 2001 became the latest state to pass one of these laws, particularly underlines their failure to spur job growth. Since the law passed, manufacturing employment and relocations into the state reversed their climb and began to fall, precisely the opposite of what advocates promised; and (3) These laws may actually harm a state’s economic prospects and ability to develop employment in high-tech manufacturing, the “knowledge” sector and service industries dependent on consumer spending in the local economy.

Read The 2015 Report About RTW in New Mexico Here

Seven Ways Pro-Worker Policies Help Everyone, Including Non-union Workers and CEO’s

A new report from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute and the University of Illinois Labor Education Program examines the differences between states that have "right to work" laws and states that don't, and states with and without prevailing wage laws. The report gives both general statistics and focuses specifically on the construction industry. Here are the top seven ways pro-working family policies are shown to benefit workers or CEOs:

In states without "right to work" for less laws, the average worker (not just union workers) earns 6% more.
An increase in union membership rate of 10% reduces income inequality between 4.7% and 14.5%.
In states without "right to work" laws, CEO incomes were 17.9% higher in construction occupations than in "right to work" states.
In states with prevailing wage laws, the median worker is paid 16.7% more than in states without prevailing wage laws.
Prevailing wage laws reduce income inequality between the highest earners and lowest earners by 45.1%.
States without "right to work" laws have lower income inequality by 2.5% to 8.2%.
In states without "right to work" laws, workers earned 26.7% more in total income (including benefits).

Download:

Right to Work Is the Wrong Answer for New Mexico's Economy.pdf

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Tell Congress to Pass the Fast Labor Contracts Act!

Tell Congress to Pass the Fast Labor Contracts Act! Workers shouldn’t have to wait years for their first contract! Workers have the right to a collective bargaining agreement after they vote for a union, but the law is full of loopholes and companies drag out the negotiation process for years. On average today, it takes 458 days to secure a first contract.

May 1st International Workers' Day 2026

Join Teamsters 492 and the broader Albuquerque labor community this May 1st, 2026 at Civic Plaza. We are sending a clear message: It is time to prioritize workers’ families over billionaire fortunes. We aren't just asking for change, we are organizing for it.

Rocky Mountain Teamster

This month's Rocky Mountain Teamster is available to read online along with all Rocky Mountain Teamsters going back to 2008.

Update on Overtime Tax Deduction

Update on Overtime Tax Deduction The Teamsters Package Division has received questions from members about the "No Tax on Overtime" provision included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that was passed last year, including whether Package Division members are impacted by the legislation.

OES Form 37-IBT Nomination Meeting Results Posting

2/13/2026 - A nomination meeting was held on the 20 day of January, 2026 to nominate candidates for Delegate and Alternate Delegate to the 31st International Convention of the IBT to be held in Las Vegas, NV. Three Delegates and One Alternate Delegate were elected. Click Here to view the results.

Download:

2026 OES Form 37-IBT Nomination Meeting Results Posting.pdf

UPS Article 17 Penalty Pay Update

1/6/2026 - UPS Article 17 Penalty Pay Update Attention All UPS Teamsters: (Article 17) New Payroll Penalty Language Now in Effect Per Article 17, of the National Master Agreement, the updated payroll penalty provisions have officially taken effect.

Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust Appointments Available

Teamster Local 492 will have a representative from the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan from Northwest Administrators in our office this month. This is your opportunity to meet face-to-face and review your pension value and where you stand on any PEER requirements, if applicable.

Teamsters VIP+ Voluntary Income Protection Plus Plan

New benefit options available to protect your income when you can’t work due to injuries, illnesses, surgeries, loss of DOT License or FAA Medical Certification (due to medical reasons), or death.