Some of these workers are either displaced or on the overstayers’ list even though their employers are still operating their businesses and are “very visible” in the community, said Rabby Syed, United Workers Movement, NMI, president.
“It’s a shameful that Labor is not doing anything,” Syed said.
Yesterday, he delivered the group’s letter, which was also signed by United Workers Movement, NMI chairman Ronnie Doca, to Federal Ombudsman Pamela Brown.
The group said Brown’s return to her old post “gives all contract workers hope and courage.”
Syed said guest workers are experiencing hardship due to the many rules and regulations imposed by CNMI Labor and Immigration
Those waiting for their unpaid wages are facing uncertainties due to the coming federalization of local immigration, he added.
Syed said it’s “extremely alarming” that guest workers with unpaid labor awards are being deported.
“With your help, workers can retain their right to collect their labor awards in person in the CNMI,” he said in a letter to Brown. “We beg you to take our concerns to the proper authorities so that no contract worker with an unpaid labor award is deported.”
Syed said they will also ask Congressman Gregorio C. Sablan to look into the concern of guest workers with unpaid wages.
“The U.S. Congress should initiate a course of action to protect the workers because those workers have Social Security numbers and are working in a U.S. territory,” Syed said.
His group is also asking Brown to look into the $50 fee charged by Labor from guest workers who apply for an extension of his temporary work authorization.
He said Labor is giving guest workers a hard time.
