IPI issues statement

Imperial Pacific International (CNMI), LLC has been plagued with challenges, but remains firm in its commitment to fulfill its obligations to the Commonwealth. This commitment is extended to helping make the Commonwealth a world-class tourist destination. 

To ensure its continued success, Imperial Pacific has been restructuring company operations and initiating efficient business measures in every department. Although a decision had not been made, assessments were being performed to determine sufficient manpower needs and to identify methods to operate more efficiently and effectively. During this assessment, Super Typhoon Yutu struck Saipan and caused millions of dollars in damage to almost every resident and business on Saipan and Tinian. 

The entire community is suffering and has had to make difficult decisions because of Yutu’s natural disaster and its dire effects. Businesses throughout the CNMI are operating on limited hours or have completely closed down. Some have closed due to the damage to their businesses and others closed because it is too costly to run generators to maintain normal business hours. One of the most devastating effects to businesses has been the impact to tourism—no customers.

Given this current situation, many employees are faced with either reduced work hours or have been laid off. Imperial Pacific has not been spared from this. The company has determined that because of the lack of tourists on the island, it has no choice but to operate on limited hours with minimal staff. Because it is unclear when tourist arrivals will normalize and when the airport will be fully operational, Imperial Pacific made a difficult decision to reduce its manpower. This decision has not been easy because the company realizes that many lives will be impacted. 

In compliance with laws and regulations, the company has notified and consulted with the CNMI and U.S. departments of Labor and the Philippine Consulate General of plans to initiate employee layoffs. However, all employee contracts will be honored and reasonable accommodations will be made for employees departing the Commonwealth. 

Mark A. Brown, chairman of Imperial Pacific, met with employees affected by the layoff to hear their concerns and to assure them that they are valued employees and hope that they return to Saipan, once the Imperial Pacific Resort is fully operational.  

Imperial Pacific regrets that layoffs must commence, but it is necessary in order to ensure the company’s survival until such time as our visitor population normalizes and we can sustain regular business operations. The company thanks the community but especially all of its employees for their patience and understanding. Imperial Pacific would like to reassure every affected employee that they will be the first to be contacted once the company is back in full operation. (PR)