THE Department of Labor and Immigration has begun reviewing the complaints filed recently by 32 employees of Western Equipment, Inc.
The employees asked DOLI to help them get their unpaid wages since last April and other privileges from the company which closed down on June 1.
“We’re now looking into it. We’re hoping to have this settled as soon as possible. One primary goal is for the employees to claim their wages,” acting Labor Director Dean Tenorio said.
Philippine labor representative Araceli A. Maraya said only four of the 11 Western Equipment employees were left on Rota.
“Many of them are already here on Saipan. They stay in their barracks,” Maraya said.
She said the company owner, Wong Chu King, has shown willingness to settle the issue.
Thirty-two employees petitioned DOLI last week for the issuance of temporary work authorizations and the immediate release of their unpaid wages.
They said their employer, through comptroller Carlos Diaz, informed them verbally on May 31 that the company would cease operation on June 1.
In a letter to Tenorio, the employees said they wanted to seek reimbursement of the refundable deposits or bonds deducted from their previous wages.
