CUC Executive Director Antonio S. Muna said their technical personnel had to work extra hours because the agency failed to fill in technical positions within the local labor pool.
Muna is asking the Legislature to introduce a bill allowing CUC to again hire qualified nonresident workers.
He said many of their technical personnel are already overworked and pushing them to the edge may compromise safety.
“I am concerned with safety issues arising due to overworked employees, delayed compliance of stipulated orders and proper maintenance of CUC equipment. Lack of relief in nonresident hiring will undoubtedly result in substandard delivery of utility services,” he said in a letter to the Legislature.
With Aggreko about to end its contract with CUC, Muna said the utility corporation will be left on its own to provide power to Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
He said CUC will need adequate manpower to provide electricity on a 24-hour basis
The executive director said CUC’s power plants need at least 16 skilled workers who are familiar with power engines.
Based on CUC’s survey, there are nonresident workers who can meet its demand for skilled trades technicians, engineers, among other positions.
According to CUC, the federal stipulated orders allow it to hire qualified foreign workers.
