On Aug. 28, the governor signed Executive Order 2009-8 which placed the CNMI under a state of emergency declaration, again, so that CUC remains under the executive branch and Aggreko’s 15-megawatt generators are exempted from environmental laws while operating on Saipan.
The latest E.O., however, included clauses that also exempt CUC from the law on foreign hire ban.
“There is no legislative relief coming. For months, CUC has repeatedly asked the Legislature for such relief. CUC submitted a bill in July. The Legislature has declined to respond. There is no alternative to providing this relief other than an order from the governor. Inaction will produce a disaster in which CUC is unable to provide its critical community services,” the governor said.
Current law limits CUC’s foreign hiring privilege to 19 workers until Sept. 30, 2010.
The E.O suspended this restriction so that CUC can hire additional skilled foreign workers through direct or manpower hiring methods.
“The effect of the suspension shall be that CUC shall have the complete power, without regard to citizenship or otherwise lawful immigration status, to hire engineers, professional employees in technical or trade areas, power plant mechanics and utility technicians, either directly or indirectly,” a portion of the E.O. stated.
“These professional employees may include, but shall not be limited to, sanitarians, engineers, accountants, information technology specialists, mechanics, electricians, well-drillers, pipefitters, plumbers, wastewater treatment facilities operators, and other trades technicians,” it added.
CUC said it needs at least 16 mechanics and other technical experts at its power plants to be able to produce enough electricity for Saipan.
