LAST April 19, Marianas Variety published a letter to editor from Mr. Joseph C. Chiles, who wrote about promoting the benefits of an effective local workforce. One way that Mr. Chiles suggested accomplishing this is by increasing the minimum hourly wage.
I am in full agreement with Mr. Chiles’ position. In fact, when I was president of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber agreed to an incremental hourly wage increase such that over a period of time the hourly wages would be comparable to the federal government’s minimum wage rate or certainly to a level that is more realistic to providing a decent living.
Unfortunately, the law providing for this incremental adjustment was repealed at the urging of some sectors. This type of action needs to stop. We must look at the overall picture and decide once and for all what we really need to do to improve the livelihood of all of the people living and working in the CNMI. A truly decent “living wage” is the best way to improve the livelihood of our people and attract more local workers into the private sector. This will reduce our government payroll (and our tax burden), which could ultimately lead to better economic times all around and in turn our working environment.
What is most interesting is that Mr. Chiles’ is a board member of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has reversed its previous position and officially no longer supports an increase in the minimum wage. It is important to note that many members of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, including myself, do not agree with many of the Chamber’s positions, especially as it relates to the hourly wage issue. Mr. Chiles’ letter reflects a lot of the Chamber members’ position on the minimum wage issue and he should be commended for publicly speaking his mind.
EFRAIN F. CAMACHO
Navy Hill, Saipan
