FLASHBACK – August 25, 2011

OSHA seeks partnership with SGMA[/B]

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration is looking at forging “cooperative partnership” with the Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association in efforts to ensure compliance with local and federal laws as well as to improve working conditions on the island. Jim Wulff, safety and health manager for OSHA Region 9 which covers the CNMI, said there is a marked improvement in the conditions at several factories, but added others may need to step up their in-house safety and health programs. He also hailed the SGMA’s decision to conduct workshop for its members as part of the implementation of the Code of Conduct that will spell out efforts by the group to comply with the OSHA regulations.

Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino is seeking the dismissal of the $10 million lawsuit filed by a pregnant employee who had a miscarriage after slipping off the floor in the hotel’s kitchen area. Anthony Long, attorney for Tinian Dynasty, said the claim for damages sought by Benselin John was covered by the Workers Compensation program, which he said is “the plaintiff’s exclusive remedy under the CNMI law.” John was employed as a kitchen steward assigned at the hotel staff canteen. She was tasked with dishwashing and cleaning the kitchen area.

Govt sued for unlawful termination[/B]

A former government employee filed a civil complaint yesterday in the U.S. District Court against the CNMI government, claiming unlawful termination from her job at the Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council. Emerencia Peter-Palican from Saipan now wants her government job back, aside from seeking undetermined amount in damages, including attorney’s fees and litigation costs, arising from her termination in December 11, 1997. In her suit filed by lawyer Douglas F. Cushnie, she named as defendants Director of Personnel Mathilda A. Rosario, and GDDC Executive Director Thomas J. Camacho, in his official and individual capacity.

A local group has initiated a drive to widen community awareness on the impact of Polychlorinated Biphenyl and other toxic chemicals by donating resource materials on the subject to the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library yesterday. Books, pamphlets, and other reading materials produced by Greenpeace are now on display at the public library in Susupe through the efforts of the Concerned Citizens of Tanapag, a group of anti-PCB advocates. Member Mike Evangelista said yesterday the learning resources donated to the library covers a wide range of topics related to various toxic chemicals being dumped into the Pacific.

Teacher-aides train to better help students with disabilities[/B]

The Public School System, in collaboration with the University of Hawaii and the Northern Marianas College, held Saturday a whole day of training for teachers-aides specializing on the needs of students with disabilities. The teacher aides-at least 26 of them from various public schools across the Northern Marianas-gathered at the Hopwood Junior High School grounds starting at 10am yesterday for a Related Services Technicians training. According to University of Hawaii faculty member and physical therapist Katherine Rathliffe, the RST Family Fun Fair gathered teacher-aides, their families, and students with disabilities in a whole day of fun and awareness activities.

Northern Marianas students have eagerly counted the days left of the summer for their return to the academic world but not all of them are bound to go back to school yet. Head Start students on Tinian will have to spend the whole day Monday with their moms or sitters, as their teachers have reportedly vowed to boycott tomorrow’s classes due to wage and salary problems. At least 50 Tinian Head Start students—including those with disabilities—may not be able to go to school until the Public School System and the Head Start program address the teachers’ concerns. According to acting site Program Manager Evelyn Evangelista, Head Start classes will not resume tomorrow after two teachers did not receive their respective paychecks Friday.