THE construction workers tasked to remove the hazardous tower cranes from the unfinished Imperial Pacific International hotel-casino building are seeking Gov. Ralph DLG Torres’ help.
They want the governor to “step in” and press IPI to pay its employees who are owed their salaries from one to three pay periods.
Led by Jesse Aquiningoc, IPI’s construction team gathered at their job site on Wednesday, hoping to draw the CNMI government’s attention.
“I am really mad at the government because up to now, they still have not stepped in to help us. IPI has not paid us for the past three paydays. We are suffering,” said Aquiningoc who has resigned as the construction team leader.
“Why is the governor not stepping in? I know that he has a lot on his mind right now, but please, Governor, stop making us suffer. Do something about this. Stop letting IPI make us suffer,” he said adding that they are not doing it only for themselves. They have to remove the tower cranes for the safety of people in the area, he added.
He said the Commonwealth Casino Commission should take away IPI’s exclusive license. “They are pathological liars,” Aquiningoc said referring to IPI officials.
Safety Officer Carlos Camacho said he hopes that the governor steps in and “kind of do something to help us.” He said IPI owes him his salary for one pay period. He and his family are surviving each day by farming but since it’s not enough to meet their needs, “I’m still looking for work.”
Camacho also said that IPI has never provided them with health insurance, adding that they are also not allowed to use the company vehicle.
He said he had to borrow gas money from friends or relatives so he could report for work.
Tower Crane Foreman Robert Valiente said they have been sacrificing to help IPI bring down the hazardous tower cranes. “All we’re asking is to pay us on time and give us our unpaid salaries,” he said.
Tower Crane Rigger Noel Rios said IPI owes him his salary for three pay periods already. “My family is suffering because we don’t have any income while the cost of living is getting higher. I kept borrowing money from relatives,” Rios said.
Mechanic Jonas Geronimo said he hopes the CNMI government can do something to help them. He has three children to feed, but “it has been very hard these days because of this problem.”
This Friday will be another payday, the construction workers said.
Variety was unable to get a comment from IPI, which earlier said IPI management said it was waiting for the U.S. Department of Labor to release the $250,000 security deposit so it can pay IPI’s employees and remove the tower cranes.
The members of the Imperial Pacific International construction team led by Jesse Aquiningoc, third left, stand next to their job site in Garapan on Wednesday: Electrician Apolinario Valiente, Mechanic Jonas Geronimo, Foreman Robert Valiente, Safety Officer Carlos Camacho, Crane Operator Willy Celeste, Riggers Chenty Apas and Noel Rios.
