FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: John Dyrcz
June 11, 2024 505-554-8679


Crownpoint, NM – American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, American Federation of Teachers New Mexico President Whitney Holland, and Navajo Technical University Faculty Congress President Sharon Nelson released the following statements:

“Today’s certification is welcome news for the hardworking faculty of Navajo Technical University and the newly organized members of United Academics-Navajo Technical University. These higher education professionals came together to proactively find solutions to better serve their students, communities, and profession and sought out our union to establish this partnership. We are so proud of the activism, tenacity, and bravery of these faculty members and we are ready to support their new union as they negotiate their first collective bargaining agreement,” said Holland.

“Faculty across NTU and its branch campuses are celebrating the news of our certification by the Office of Navajo Labor Relations. We came together as a community to not only fight for our students and our profession, but also for the future path of our institution. We are proud to have one of the first, if not the first organized faculty union on a Tribal College or University. Our future will be bright as we continue to work together for progress,” said Nelson.

“Faculty voted for a union because they understand that together they can accomplish far more than they ever can alone. These knowledge creators, researchers, and teachers joined together to demand a seat at the table and secure the respect and dignity they deserve. Now, we are ready to support these members as they bargain a first contract. They deserve stronger pay, better conditions, and the academic freedom that will improve the university and the students it serves. I could not be prouder, and we are honored to represent them,” said Weingarten.

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The Office of Navajo Labor Relations issues certification for this unit on June 11, 2024. The 74 full-time faculty members at Navajo Technical University are organized with the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico and are one of the first, if not the first faculty union on a Tribal College or University, nationwide.