The miners beat back the aggressive attacks by Pittsburg and Midway Coal Co., which had been pressing to extend the workday to 10-12 hours, undercut workers' health care, and cut back overtime pay.

Supporters of the Militant were invited to a traditional Navajo barbecue by United Mine Workers of America Local 1332 and the women's auxiliary. The celebration was attended by a predominantly Navajo crowd of 40 miners and 80 family members and supporters.

A few Militant supporters, including three Young Socialists, were warmly welcomed at the miners' victory celebration. Several workers expressed interest in the Militant and commented on a number of political questions, from the Cuban revolution to defending bilingual education. A number of miners had been reading the socialist newsweekly closely throughout the strike, and many took time during the victory celebration to talk with members of the Young Socialists and other supporters of the paper.

One miner, Gilbert, who was very interested in the Socialist Workers Party's political perspective in the 2000 presidential elections, spoke about the racist discrimination he had experienced throughout his school life, and was interested in hearing about the fight for bilingual education in California. He invited us to return.

These coal miners have a history of struggle that needs to be told. For many, this was not their first strike against P&M. Talking to these coal miners was an important experience for the Young Socialists. It gave us confidence and fueled our fighting spirit for future struggles.

Many miners here, who have worked for more than 20 years at the McKinley mine, struck the company in 1987. The 1987 strike was a long strike where the workers won affirmative action for Navajos in the contract. According to miners we spoke with, the contract states that P&M must hire a worker who is Navajo for any positions unless no Navajo is qualified. This previous strike experience was still fresh in strikers' minds.

In the latest victorious strike, young coal miners were active. The company was relying on the new miners and young people to break the strike, but to their disappointment they stood firmly on the picket line. This was a sign of the strength and solidarity among the workers.

The president of the women's auxiliary, Phyllis Shanklin, explained the crucial role that women played in the strike and gave us a copy of a bulletin she had written on their experience. Among other things, it described the fears women have of the risks their husbands take at work, and the leading role played by women in drawing needed support to the struggle.

One miner had been close to deciding to cross the line and return to work, pointing to the financial stress the strike was putting on his family, but the women's auxiliary organized fund-raisers to help all the families of miners pay utility bills. They organized to supply food as well as offer emotional support. The efforts of these women were part of the glue that held the strike together.

One woman told us that being a part of the women's auxiliary had given herself and others an independence and confidence they hadn't had before.

Being at this celebration we were able to see that every bit of solidarity the miners received--the united efforts of the miners, women, other family members, and young people--is what led them to victory. Their story will be inspiring to the miners of Black Mesa and Kayenta, whose contract expires August 31, and also to other workers and young people around the world.

Ana Ramírez is a YS member in Los Angeles; Chessie Molano is a YS member in Tucson. Young Socialist Louis Turner in Tucson contributed to this article.