Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
5.22.26 – For decades, some workers at the National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) have been state employees — but only in name. Classified as "temporary," they were denied benefits like health insurance, paid time off and retirement, even though they work full-time schedules. After nearly two years fighting for their rights, Cailley Chella reports, the state labor board has ruled in the employees’ favor, putting them on the doorstep of a massive victory.
Correspondent:
Cailley Chella
Guests:
Rosemary Gallegos, National Hispanic Cultural Center Employee
Jacob Saavedra, National Hispanic Cultural Center Employee
Grace Saavedra, National Hispanic Cultural Center Employee
Nan G. Nash, NM Public Employee Labor Relations Board Chair
Peggy Nelson, NM Public Employee Labor Relations Board Vice Chair
Pilar Vaile, NM Public Employee Labor Relations Board Executive Director and Hearing Examiner
Megan Green, Communication Workers of America Local 7076 Union President
--
This program is made possible by viewers like you. Support NMPBS: bit.ly/nmpbs-donate
Subscribe to the New Mexico in Focus channel for more clips: youtube.com/@nminfocus
Enjoy full episodes of your favorite NMPBS shows anytime, anywhere with the free PBS App: portal.knme.org
Follow New Mexico in Focus
Instagram: instagram.com/nm_in_focus
Facebook: facebook.com/NewMexicoPBS
X: https://x.com/NMinFocus
5.22.26 – For decades, some workers at the National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) have been state employees — but only in name. Classified as "temporary," they were denied benefits like health insurance, paid time off and retirement, even though they work full-time schedules. After nearly two years fighting for their rights, Cailley Chella reports, the state labor board has ruled in the employees’ favor, putting them on the doorstep of a massive victory.
Correspondent:
Cailley Chella
Guests:
Rosemary Gallegos, National Hispanic Cultural Center Employee
Jacob Saavedra, National Hispanic Cultural Center Employee
Grace Saavedra, National Hispanic Cultural Center Employee
Nan G. Nash, NM Public Employee Labor Relations Board Chair
Peggy Nelson, NM Public Employee Labor Relations Board Vice Chair
Pilar Vaile, NM Public Employee Labor Relations Board Executive Director and Hearing Examiner
Megan Green, Communication Workers of America Local 7076 Union President
--
This program is made possible by viewers like you. Support NMPBS: bit.ly/nmpbs-donate
Subscribe to the New Mexico in Focus channel for more clips: youtube.com/@nminfocus
Enjoy full episodes of your favorite NMPBS shows anytime, anywhere with the free PBS App: portal.knme.org
Follow New Mexico in Focus
Instagram: instagram.com/nm_in_focus
Facebook: facebook.com/NewMexicoPBS
X: https://x.com/NMinFocus
