He said the recent court ruling, which allows guest workers to proceed to the court with their collection claims, will benefit guest workers.
“We’ve been asking the federal government and the local Labor office to resolve the $6.1 million in unpaid wage claims by guest workers in the commonwealth,” he said.
Syed said it is frustrating to learn that despite the issuance of an administrative order guest workers still don’t get their unpaid wages..
With the new ruling, he said, they are hoping that all administrative orders or awards will be enforced.
He said the federal government should help facilitate the claims of guest workers who have already left the island.
Superior Court Associate Judge David A. Wiseman said Public Law 17-1 allows a guest worker to bring direct court action against an employer for back wages.
No jurisdiction
Syed at the same time said the CNMI government cannot require nonresidents to register with the Department of Labor.
“Our group maintains its position that CNMI Labor has no more jurisdiction over labor matters,” he added.
He learned though that some guest workers whose employers continue to deal with Labor have already registered.
Deputy Labor Secretary Cinta M. Kaipat said all aliens other than lawful permanent residents must register as required by Public Law 17-1.
The registration started on Sept. 7.
