TWO U.S. lawmakers who are critical of the CNMI’s labor and immigration policies were impressed by the new administration’s reform efforts, Gov. Juan N. Babauta said on Friday.
Babauta characterized his meeting with Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Ha., as “very good and excellent.” The governor also met with the chief of staff of Congressman George Miller, D-Ca., and got a “positive feedback.”
Babauta said he presented a 12-page status report to Akaka regarding the improvements in CNMI labor and immigration policies since January.
Akaka earlier assured Babauta that he would give the new administration a chance to implement labor and immigration reforms.
Babauta on Friday said Akaka was “very pleased” with his report.
“He encourages us to continue to address these very difficult issues,” Babauta said.
In his report to the senator, the governor said the number of labor complaints has “continued to decline.”
He said the CNMI has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the National Labor Relations Board to ensure that the commonwealth will comply with applicable federal labor laws.
Babauta said he also wants to sign an MOU with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Babauta told Akaka that:
– the majority of labor complaints filed by alien workers were mainly over non-payment of wages;
– there were non-resident workers abandoned by their employers;
– other complaints included wrongful termination of contract, illegal deduction of salary, and failure to keep and maintain employment records of the workers.
Miller, for his part, designated his chief of staff John Lawrence to meet with Babauta. The lawmaker was on the floor of the House of Representatives when Babauta arrived for their appointment.
Lawrence said Miller praised the commonwealth’s implementation of the automated departure screening process at Saipan International Airport, according to the governor.
He informed Lawrence that the CNMI was able to develop a standard for the approval of a foreigner’s authorization to board.
