Pros
Just job security, PERA Retirement
Cons
If your not management you get lumped into the union upon hiring. This is due to NM not being a right to work state so you don't have a choice in the matter. It doesn't distinguish between blue and white collar professionals. Semi literate janitors and forklift operators own the union and it truly shows. When your hired you are not told this by HR. You cannot negotiate your salary, you are stuck at the very bottom regardless of experience. Many people work at the local Lowe's to make up the difference as a result. Management brags you don't pay into Social Security. The problem is that everybody is paid at such abysmal wages you are actually screwing yourself over long term because your PERA Pension won't make up the difference in contributions. And good luck finding any extra money to put in a deferred contribution plan. You may have job security but in the end it's not worth it. It's also obvious unqualified people with no college background are getting promoted in positions they have no business in due to managers with fragile egos and low confidence and leadership ability. Countless talented and ambitious people have left the city over the years because of this, in addition to the low pay. Get rid of the top management and hire people who actually care about the city.