NAVAJO LABOR AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A VOLUNTARY WORKERS ASSOCIATION

A review is made of major trends in Navajo labor relations & new attitudes in the Navajo labor force, eg, workers' willingness to fight for changes & to seek out agencies that will act for Navajo labor. Events during the past 15 years have seen some of the independence of Navajo workers institutionalized in the Office of Navajo Labor Relations, as formulated by the new Office of Program Development. The political & economic position & vulnerability of the Navajo Nation have produced an alliance with international unions. Navajo workers accept unionization only to the extent that it is convenient to do so, although they obviously perceive union benefits in wages, pensions, & the right to strike. The one labor movement that seemed to have genuine grass roots impetus resulted in the creation of the Navajo Construction Workers Association. 2 Tables. Modified Author Conclusion.