ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The New Mexico Transportation Association was officially certified Tuesday as the representative of city bus drivers in Albuquerque, the Albuquerque Journal reports.
It had been operating unofficially since the drivers had a falling out with the United Transportation Union, their former representative. The United Transportation Union local charter was revoked nearly a year ago after a series of disputes that eventually caused the drivers to withhold dues from the international union.
City officials had been dealing with the drivers’ group even though it was not officially certified. The group had a role in city budget discussions this year, for example.
However, since the association did not have clear legal standing, the city has not been giving it the union dues that have been collected from drivers. The money has been held in escrow.
Tuesday’s action helps clear the way for the city to turn over roughly $50,000, according to union and city officials.
Robert Gutierrez, who has been serving as the head of the association, said an election will be held to choose a slate of officers for the union.
The union represents a bargaining unit that includes 261 drivers. Most of those drivers — a total of 158 — submitted cards calling for recognition of the union. Their cards were verified Tuesday by representatives of the drivers and the city.
Mayor Martin Chvez signed a statement certifying that the New Mexico Transportation Association is “the exclusive bargaining representative” for Sun Van and Sun Tran drivers.