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‘Open door’ policy at Labor implemented
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Posted on Jan 14 2006
Acting Department of Labor Secretary Gil M. San Nicolas said he would implement an “open door” policy at the department, in line with the administration’s pro-business program.
San Nicolas told the Saipan Tribune in a telephone interview that, his office would always be open to anyone who needs help and that he expects other staff members in the department to do the same.
“I don’t care who they are or what nationalities they are. Anyone is free to see me as well the other staff here,” he said.
The acting Labor secretary said his priority is to start changing the image of the department to make it more business-friendly, as Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez had promised.
San Nicolas said he would focus on paying customers but stressed that he would strictly implementing the Nonresident Workers Act and rules and regulations concerning alien workers. He said the department would continue investigating allegations of non-payment of wages to workers.
San Nicolas said the department would start visiting businesses not only to check whether they are complying with the laws and regulations, but to also inquire if they need assistance.
The acting secretary underscored the importance of educating some employers about labor laws and regulations.
With respect to his appointment, San Nicolas said he feels honored and privileged to be tapped by the new administration to lead the department.
“’This is obviously the highest position in the department. I’m happy to be given this opportunity,” said San Nicolas, who has been serving his entire 18 years of government service at Labor.
San Nicolas earlier said that he wants to improve the department’s transparency and customer service.
He issued a public notice where he vowed to make better Labor’s customer service, with instructions to employees urging them “to be more business friendly, respectful, humble, and helpful.”
As a first step to realize such goal, San Nicolas implemented a customer survey to measure any areas of concern that the department can improve on.
