SENATE MEMORIAL 52

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2014

INTRODUCED BY

Howie C. Morales

A MEMORIAL

CELEBRATING THE SIXTIETH YEAR OF "SALT OF THE EARTH".

     WHEREAS, across the United States, working families are dedicated to economic advancement by promoting fairness in the workplace and establishing policies that help men and women meet the dual demands of work and family; and

     WHEREAS, too often, workers who attempt to join unions, assert other rights in the workplace or file complaints for protection of their civil and human rights face employer threats, retaliation and discrimination; and

     WHEREAS, on October 17, 1950, in Grant county, New Mexico, the mine workers of the Empire zinc mine decided to strike, demanding an end to discriminatory working conditions and the dual wage system of two-tiered pay being different for Mexican and Mexican American workers as compared to Anglo workers; and

     WHEREAS, the workers picketed the company gates for eight months until June 1951, when the district court for Grant county issued a court injunction against the workers under the threat of jail time; and

     WHEREAS, in response, the miners' wives took their posts in a landmark action that advanced the women's rights and empowerment movement, while the men assumed other obligations, including household duties; and

     WHEREAS, on January 25, 1952, Empire zinc company officials came to an agreement with the strikers to provide better wages and benefits, ending the strike; and

     WHEREAS, still to this day, too many workers are discriminated against based on their age, gender, race or national origin; and

     WHEREAS, it should be a priority of the great state of New Mexico to ensure a living wage, safe working and living conditions, education and health care for all workers and residents no matter their age, gender, race or national origin; and

     WHEREAS, March 14, 2014 marks the sixtieth anniversary of the release of the award winning film, "Salt of the Earth", commemorating and committing to lasting memory the victorious struggle of the Grant county miners and their families;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that in recognition of the mine workers in Grant county, New Mexico, and all workers that have fought for their basic human rights, that the senate commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of the "Salt of the Earth".

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