These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Got hurt at work
Badly hurt? Call 911.
Tell the boss right away, in writing if possible, and get medical care. Report it within 15 days.
Employers with 3 or more workers (and all construction businesses) must carry workers' compensation. It pays medical bills and some lost pay.
The state has free, private helpers (ombudsmen) who explain workers' comp and help fix problems. Some speak Spanish.
NM Workers' Compensation Administration
Ombudsman helpline for workers hurt on the job
1-866-967-5667
2407 W. Picacho, Suite D, Las Cruces · Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm
2Not paid, or paid too little
New Mexico minimum wage is $12.00 an hour (2026). Tipped workers get at least $3.00 an hour plus tips that add up to $12.00.
Overtime: over 40 hours in a week pays 1.5 times the hourly rate for most hourly workers.
Write down the days and hours worked and keep pay stubs, texts and schedules.
File a wage claim (free):
NM Department of Workforce Solutions - Labor Relations Division
Wage claims for unpaid wages
575-524-6195
226 South Alameda Blvd, Las Cruces · Weekday business hours
3Paid sick leave
Workers earn 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 64 hours a year.
It can be used for their own illness, a family member's, or domestic violence. An employer may not punish them for using it.
NM Department of Workforce Solutions - Labor Relations Division
Wage claims for unpaid wages
575-524-6195
226 South Alameda Blvd, Las Cruces · Weekday business hours
4Treated unfairly or harassed
It is illegal to treat a worker unfairly because of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age (40+), disability, serious medical condition, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Write down what happened, when, and who saw it.
NM Department of Workforce Solutions - Human Rights Bureau
File a discrimination complaint (job, housing, credit, public places)
800-566-9471
· Statewide phone/online; weekday business hours
A complaint must be filed within 300 days, so call soon.
Free legal help:
New Mexico Legal Aid
Free civil legal help
1-833-545-4357
2005 Hwy 180 W, Suite 500, Silver City · Phone intake Mon-Thu 9:30 am-4:00 pm at 1-833-545-4357; online application any time at newmexicolegalaid.org. Silver City office: 575-388-0091.
Forced to work, or someone is holding their papers or pay? Use the guide "Being forced to work or trade sex, or someone controls their papers or money".
5Lost the job
Use the guide "Just lost their job".
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.