‘This gov’t supports equal employment for all’

Underscoring its commitment to the principles of equal employment, the Babauta administration has directed the creation of an equal employment opportunity organization in each department, activity and autonomous agency within the Executive Branch.

Such an organization will be tasked to establish its own equal employment opportunity program and structure that would provide an administrative procedure for settling complaints of employment discrimination, harassment, or coercion.

Gov. Juan N. Babauta said this is in line with the intent of the CNMI Equal Employment Opportunity Program, which requires that nondiscrimination be exercised in all government employment practices.

“I personally and officially support this program, and will ensure continued compliance with its tenets with the full force of executive authority,” he said in a directive issued to all department and activity heads.

Babauta stressed that the Commonwealth government does not condone and would not tolerate discrimination in any form in its employment policies and actions, or in the conduct of its employees.

“It is especially important to state clearly that the CNMI government has established and will vigorously enforce a policy of non-tolerance for sexual harassment in its workplace and among its workforce. Similarly, every government employee has the right to a workplace free from threat, harassment or coercion. This administration is committed to guaranteeing these rights to its employees,” he said.

To ensure full compliance with the EEO program, Babauta has appointed Personnel Director Juan I. Tenorio as the Deputy EEO Officer for the Commonwealth, with the authority to develop EEO policies, implement the program, and oversee its operation.

Tenorio will then appoint an EEO Coordinator in the Office of Personnel Management to provide key government, management and EEO officials with expert advice, analysis and evaluation on EEO matters.

“The Director of Personnel will also appoint EEO Coordinators on both Rota and Tinian and they will be tasked to monitor the program government-wide and assist department and activity EEO staff in the consistent application of EEO laws and policies,” said the Governor in his directive.

As outlined in Directive No. 216, the head of each department, activity and autonomous agency will be the EEO Officer for the organization. Similarly, the head of each organization will appoint an EEO Coordinator to manage the organization’s EEO program.

Babauta emphasized that the EEO program is not just a matter of complying with federal and local laws. “It is a vitally important step in ensuring fair and equal treatment in government employment to all citizens of the CNMI. It will repay our efforts tenfold and provide a legacy of equality for citizens yet to come,” he said.

He urged all management staff to support the program fully in all hiring and employment processes, saying their participation must not be just minimal compliance with federal and CNMI EEO laws but must be the daily fulfillment of an obligation of fair treatment to all citizens of the Commonwealth.