Customs Director Jesus C. Muna said they lost at least four employees last month and the remaining personnel must work on double shifts at the airport.
He didn’t provide figures.
Muna said this practice is disadvantageous to Customs because overtime is paid time and a half compared to the regular hourly rate.
Further, he said those who are working overtime are already becoming stressed which may create problems.
Muna is urging the Legislature to exempt Customs from the hiring freeze so it can fill the vacated positions.
“Overtime hours have already been incurred and it is to be predicted that the hours may increase. Majority of the loss of personnel came from our airport border where operation is mandatory 24 hours a day. It is vital that we have full coverage to operate at the Saipan International Airport because aside from seaport, it is our main port of entry,” he told the Legislature.
“Our officers and inspectors are becoming stressed and overworked due to the lack of personnel and it is resulting in a lot of sick leave applications where it creates a lot of attendance issues,” he added.
The closure of public offices every other Friday, also known as austerity Fridays, is again observed this current fiscal year 2011.
Only agencies considered essential such as the public schools, Public Health, Public Safety and Corrections, are exempted from austerity Fridays.
