United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) announced today that they will begin negotiations with the new administration on the Navajo Nation to establish a new collective bargaining agreement for the 1,500 Navajo employees out of Local Union 2005.
The Navajo Nation’s newly elected President, Dr. Buu Nygren, who took office in January 2023, has been in discussion with UMWA representatives to ensure that Navajo Nation employees have a voice on the job.
“We have been representing the working families on the Navajo Nation for over 50 years,” UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts said. “The United Mine Workers has continued to fight for their rights and I am pleased that President Dr. Nygren recognizes the value of providing the Nation with their fundamental right to join a union.”
“I am thrilled that UMWA representatives will be back at the negotiation table with the Navajo Nation,” UMWA International District 22 Vice President Mike Dalpiaz said. “It is essential that these employees enjoy a safe, secure workplace with the compensation they are rightly owed.”
The UMWA has a meeting with the Navajo Nation Administration scheduled for the end of March to negotiate a successor collective bargaining agreement for the Navajo Nation employees.
We look forward to reestablishing our relationship with the Navajo Nation.