We have opposed the regulations of P.L. 15-108 which drove us to protest. But today, with the existence of this law, I have witnessed some flexibility in its implementation, which in my opinion has benefited some guest workers — in a way.
I personally know some fellow guest workers who, after the expiration of their contracts, were granted employment transfer and some were given a chance by the Department of Labor to look for another employment for 30 days or actually a total of 90 days as long as the guest workers could prove to the department that he/she would not be a burden to the CNMI while looking for employment, and that he or she is a professional or highly skilled with no criminal record.
Some say there shouldn’t be a fee for such requests. But where else in this world could you find free things and services? The people working at Labor are being paid; paper and ink are being bought.
I am not saying that we should salute Labor, but at least, we should know how to count and be thankful for even the smallest blessings and requests that have been granted.
The Labor Department now is much better than it used to be. There are letters criticizing Labor, but for many people things have improved there. Papers are processed faster, the employees are polite, and they try to work out problems. So thank you for the good changes.
CONRAD OCAMPO
Susupe, Saipan
