Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren signs a tentative agreement with the United Mine Workers of America that will restore collective bargaining rights for employees represented by UMWA Local Union 2005. Courtesy/UMWA

UMWA News:

The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) announced Saturday the signing of a tentative agreement with the Navajo Nation that will restore collective bargaining rights for employees represented by UMWA Local Union 2005.

This marks the end of a five-year hiatus during which UMWA’s representation was suspended.

Under the new agreement, signed by Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, approximately 1,500 Navajo Nation employees, including those in the Executive Branch, the Head Start Program, and the Division of Public Safety, will once again benefit from UMWA representation and have their pay, benefits and working conditions protected by a union contract.

“This agreement will re-establish our partnership with the Navajo Nation and allow us to resume representing these dedicated workers,” UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts said. “I want to thank our bargaining team and all of those involved in this agreement for their hard work and perseverance. It took some time, but they stuck with it.”

Over the next few weeks, the UMWA will be conducting comprehensive briefings to explain the details of the agreement to all affected employees before a ratification vote takes place.

Details of the agreement will not be released publicly until the membership has a chance to learn them.

The vote will represent the final step in solidifying this important milestone for both the Navajo Nation and its employees.