‘Federalization bill should reduce uncertainty in NMI’

Posted on Apr 14 2008

A vocal advocate of federalization says the passage of the federalization bill is a relief for many and should reduce the general uncertainty in the CNMI.

“But the time for work has not ended, but has just begun,” Ron Hodges told Saipan Tribune in an e-mail.

While federalization lays the framework for protections for guest workers, Hodges, a teacher, said that change is historically slow.

“I think those alive five, 10, and 20 years from now will live in a better place,” he said.

Hodges said that now is the time to offer guest workers security, with an interim bill that protects everyone from deportation.

“Workers must be protected in our labor hearings. No continuous improvement process can ever be effective unless workers are adequately protected,” he said.

He added that now is the time for guest workers and residents to demand that the controversial Public Law 15-108 be repealed.

“Now is the time for our community to unite. Now is the time for those supporting unity to move on,” Hodges said.

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