Navajo Participation in Labor Unions. Lake Powell Research Project Bulletin Number 15, December 1975

Navajo participation in labor unions and Navajo labor relations have undergone rapid and fundamental changes since the development of industry around Lake Powell and on Black Mesa. Early attempts to unionize Navajo workers met with stiff resistance from employees and the Navajo Tribal Council. Union entry into the Navajo Reservation was viewed as a threat to Navajo political power. In 1958, the Tribal Council passed resolutions making union operations on the Navajo Reservation unlawful. In 1961, unions attempted to hold a union election to bring Navajo and other workers at a uranium mill into several unions. The Tribal Council blocked the election, and a court case ensued which resulted in a U.S. Court of Appeals decision nullifying the Navajo Nation's legal right to outlaw union activities. In 1971, worker dissatisfaction led to the establishment of the Navajo Construction Workers Association and the eventual establishment of the Office of Navajo Labor Relations (ONLR). The ONLR has become the chief instrument in labor relations for the Navajo Nation. Cooperation between unions and the ONLR is generally close, and presently the ONLR works with all union locals in the vicinity of the Navajo Reservation. Interviews with Navajo workers and union representatives revealed that Navajos are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of union membership. Therefore, union membership in the Navajo labor force is increasing rapidly. (Author/NQ)