By Haidee V. Eugenio
Variety Assistant Editor

A GOVERNMENT-BACKED audit of private sector jobs recommends reforming or restructuring the current job classification system which allows accountants, for example, to work as bookkeepers or receptionists, and enforcing labor regulations and laws more effectively.
Moreover, one of the greatest opportunities for resident workers these days is “part-time” employment in the private sector to supplement their salaries, according to the job study group which is expected to release the results of its jobs audit by next week.
Under the proposed new system which allows for a “transition” period, about 40 additional job classifications may be added to “better” reflect the types of work done by private sector workers.
The jobs study group is looking at opportunities for hundreds of unemployed resident workers to get employment in the private sector which has about 28,000 positions held by nonresident workers.
Public Auditor Mike Sablan yesterday said the study group, which is co-chaired by private sector leaders Josephine Mesta, Alex Sablan and Charles Cepeda, recommends the adoption of the O*NET or the Occupational Information Network System in restructuring the CNMI’s current job classification system.
The O*NET System database is a comprehensive source of descriptors, with ratings of importance, level, relevance or extent for more than 900 occupations that are key to the U.S. economy.
“This is to better define positions based on duties and responsibilities…and not on titles,” said Sablan.
He said the study group has found accountants doing cashier work and vice versa, bookkeepers doing accounting work or working as receptionists.
“The committee recognizes problems with classification…It’s critical that we agree on classifications and associated duties and responsibilities rather than titles…A job title may be for a receptionist but when you look at her responsibilities, she also does office specialist and accountant duties,” said Sablan.
In the CNMI, there are two categories of private sector jobs. The first includes 10 jobs exclusively for locals including those such as taxi cab driver, accounting clerk, surface boat operator, telephone switchboard operator, secretary, messenger, bus driver, book keeper, receptionist and tour bus driver.
The second includes those “reserved” for locals to ensure, among other things, that for every nonresident worker hired by a private sector employer, there is also resident worker hired, and that the 20 percent “local resident” employment requirement is maintained.
Sablan said the study group also recommends a strong implementation of existing labor regulations and laws, including 20 percent local employment in the private sector which Gov. Benigno R. Fitial ordered in his State of the Commonwealth Address last month.
The study group, however, does not intend to give thousands of private sector jobs held by nonresident workers to local workers. “There are not enough resident workers with the education, experience and expertise to fill those jobs…We will rely on the private sector to determine an appropriate transition period,” said Sablan.