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Suntex is back into SGMA fold
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Posted on Mar 31 1999
The Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association has agreed to reinstate the membership of a garment firm which was suspended temporarily for failure to comply with local regulations, the group said in a statement yesterday.
Suntex Manufacturing was accepted into the garment association anew after SGMA reviewed its records in a special board meeting held over the weekend.
It received a “substantial compliance” standing in SGMA when reports from the labor and immigration department as well as from the company showed improvement in both living and working conditions for its workers.
“After review of the incidents leading to the temporary suspension pending investigation, testimony presented by company representatives, reports from (the department) and meetings with CNMI DOLI officials, Suntex was reinstated,” the statement said.
“The overcrowding in company barracks has been abated and inspection of the company premises by DOLI and SGMA have verified the compliance with local regulations,” it added.
An auditing conducted by the group has also come out with a list of corrective measures to be implemented by Suntex, which has hired a firm to assist them in these efforts.
SGMA, which groups 18 of the largest garment factories on the island, has five evaluation categories based on its code of conduct. These are full compliance, substantial compliance, partial compliance, marginal compliance and non-compliance.
Last January, the association temporarily suspended two of its members for 30 days for alleged violation of occupational standards and wage payments to its employees. It did not name the two companies.
But last month, it reinstated Diorva/ Micronesian Garment Manufacturing, Inc. to a member in good standing after the company paid out in full all remaining back wages to its employees.
SGMA has intensified in recent months its internal monitoring mechanism as part of the reform measures implemented to improve conditions in Saipan factories. (BS)
