Palacios warns employers who refuse to hire U.S. workers

Rep. Joseph Palacios (R-Saipan) is urging private sector employers to follow standard U.S. labor requirements amid speculations that companies amplify job qualifications to make U.S. workers unqualified.

“From what I heard, some of them tend to exceed the qualifications. I hope that they don’t forget that they are at U.S. soil and comply with U.S. standards. Don’t try to create your own,” Palacios said during Wednesday’s job fair sponsored by the CNMI Department of Labor.

According to Palacios, employers should hire U.S. workers “if they’re qualified.” If not, private companies are encouraged to work with entities such as the Workforce Investment Agency, which allows remunerated training for potential employees, he added.

“If they are seriously serious about hiring U.S. workers, then compromise. Work with the government, work with them to really show that you’re making an effort,” said Palacios, adding that these employers should take advantage of available programs.

Northern Marianas Trades Institute counseling and outreach coordinator Ray Alvarez, Jr. said their school is primarily focused on providing skills training for “hard hat trades” such as construction, plumbing, and welding so that U.S. workers can also apply for jobs in these industries.

“Certification is key right now,” he said.

CNMI Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan echoed Palacios’ sentiment on the need to start training U.S. workers as CNMI-only transitional workers “are going to be zeroed out eventually.”

“Now is the time to invest in U.S. eligible workers,” Sablan told Saipan Tribune. “Bring them in and train them because they’ll be your most important resource.”

Sablan also reminded U.S. workers about the importance of work ethics. “Employers need their workers to come to work prepared, on time, and to actually work.”

Palacios also questioned some of the companies that participate in government-arranged job fairs only to show their involvement yet do not actually have positions available for U.S. workers.

“I personally feel that they’re just here because they just want to show that they’re participating. But are they hiring?” he asked.

Palacios warned employers “that tend to circumvent the law” and “intentionally” make U.S. workers unqualified for available jobs, saying that “they will get in trouble.”

“Be in compliance, follow the requirements, be honest and fair,” he added.