Workforce Directive and Furlough Communication
In anticipation of a potential upcoming furlough, the current directive is that all employees are to report to work on Monday, 02 February as scheduled. Unless and until you are notified otherwise, you should continue to report to work and perform your normal duties.
Supervisors have been instructed to maintain an open line of communication with their teams and to ensure employees receive timely and accurate information as it becomes available.
To ensure consistent and effective communication, all employees are required to confirm that Human Resources has their correct personal email address and personal telephone number on file. Accurate contact information is critical to ensure you receive time-sensitive updates.
The company will use the following channels to share updates:
- One-Call notifications
- Email communications
All official updates, guidance, and available resources related to the furlough will be shared through these channels. Information will be communicated in a timely manner as decisions are made.
If you have questions or concerns regarding the potential furlough, please first contact your direct supervisor. You may also reach out to Melissa Wells in Human Resources at 678-3474 for additional assistance.
We understand that this situation may create uncertainty, and we are committed to keeping the workforce informed with clear, accurate, and timely communication.
Thank you for your continued professionalism and attention to this directive.
Union News
Important Update for Union Members Affected by the Shutdown:
For Union members impacted by the shutdown who are not receiving pay and have applied for unemployment insurance, please be aware that you need to complete an Unemployment Dues Form. This form helps the Union process your status correctly during this challenging time.
Please complete and submit the form promptly. If you have any questions, contact the local Lodge directly at 575-434-0211.
Click on the link below to download the form
FAQ Government Shutdown
Q: If I work one or two days while receiving unemployment benefits, how will that affect my payments?
A: Working one or two days will reduce your weekly unemployment benefits based on your gross earnings. You must report all wages online when you certify for benefits. Failing to do so is considered fraud and may result in penalties, including repayment of benefits and fines.
Q: What if my earnings for the week are higher than my unemployment benefits?
A: If your earnings exceed your weekly unemployment benefit amount, you may become ineligible for benefits for that week.
Q: What if my weekly earnings are less than my unemployment benefits?
A: If you earn less than your weekly benefit amount, you may qualify for partial unemployment benefits and receive the difference. Just be sure to accurately report your wages and hours worked each week.
Q: What if I work less than 40 hours and earn less than my unemployment benefit amount?
A: If you’re working part-time and your earnings are below your weekly benefit, you may be eligible to claim partial unemployment benefits.
Q: I’m a subcontractor, not a Federal Employee, and won’t receive back pay for the government shutdown period. Can I still claim unemployment if I’m using my personal leave?
A: Yes. Using personal leave does not disqualify you from unemployment benefits. Since you’re not working, you should apply for benefits.
Eligibility for unemployment benefits arises from the employee’s non-working, non-paid status from the employer during the shutdown. If an employee uses a combination of personal leave and Leave Without Pay (LWOP), they can receive a partial unemployment benefit. This occurs if the personal leave pay is less than the maximum weekly UI benefit, with the state covering the difference. Accurate and timely reporting of all earned wages, including paid leave, is mandatory during the weekly benefit certification process. I strongly recommend that supervisors and/or admins provide leave balances to their respective employees so that they can manage their balances while at home. This will be helpful when an employee is reporting their timecard details weekly.
When an employee in New Mexico applies for unemployment benefits, they should select “Discharge – Lack of Work” as the reason for filing.
Some employees have mistakenly selected “Lockout or Strike,” which is not appropriate. That option will prompt the applicant to provide detailed union information, and more importantly, the current situation does not qualify as a strike or lockout.
While other options such as “Still Employed” or “Other” may still lead to benefit approval, “Lack of Work” is the most accurate and appropriate choice under the current circumstances.
To create a profile and register for unemployment benefits, please visit https://www.dws.state.nm.us/en-us/Unemployment