At a recent Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) board meeting, representatives of the Culinary Workers Union (CWA) Local 7070 voiced strong concerns about a district‑wide policy that mandates at least 50% of school meals be prepared from scratch. Union Vice President Alvaro Rivera warned that the new requirement forces staff to spend three and a half hours cooking in employee areas, a timeline he described as impossible.
Union alleges illegal labor practices
“There’s no way of scratch cooking in these employee areas for three‑and‑a‑half hours,” Rivera said. CWA President Paul Aguilar added that managers are allegedly clocking workers out and then asking them to stay until the food is finished, calling the practice “unacceptable; it is illegal; it is not something we can do.” The union claims the workload is unsustainable and that the district may be violating previously negotiated time agreements.
APS defends the policy and its implementation
APS responded that the scratch‑food requirement was approved by the state in 2023 and slated for implementation at the start of the 2026 school year. The district emphasized that it remains “fully on track to meet all state requirements” and that employee training began in March 2026 through Brigaid, a state‑contracted third‑party vendor.
“APS values its partnership with staff and looks forward to meeting with CWA members to discuss their concerns,” the district said in a statement. APS officials noted that the policy is intended to improve nutrition and support local food programs, aligning with state goals for healthier school meals.
Union remains open to negotiation
Despite the heated exchange, the CWA indicated a willingness to return to the bargaining table. Aguilar told KOAT 7 that the union believes the additional time negotiated between CWA and APS has been violated and that they are prepared to bargain “in good faith” to resolve the dispute.
Context and implications for families
For parents and students in Albuquerque, the policy aims to increase the availability of freshly prepared meals, a move many families support for its potential health benefits. However, the union’s concerns about staffing levels and overtime raise questions about how the district will balance nutritional goals with realistic labor practices.
Local school board members have not yet voted on any changes to the mandate, but the ongoing dialogue suggests that both sides recognize the importance of finding a workable solution that respects workers’ rights while delivering quality meals to students.
What’s next?
The APS board is expected to schedule further meetings with CWA representatives in the coming weeks. Stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and community leaders, are encouraged to stay informed and participate in the discussion to ensure that the district’s policies serve the best interests of Albuquerque’s children and families.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
