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CNMI working with other territories to fix PUA ineligibility
The CNMI Department of Labor late last week received new information from the U.S. Department of Labor–Employment and Training Administration regarding the potential ineligibility of hundreds of furloughed employees for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance under the Continued Assistance for Unemployed Workers Act of 2020
It was the decision of USDOL-ETA that furloughed employees and individuals working reduced hours may not qualify for PUA under the CAA if they cannot clearly prove that the cause of their unemployment continues to be the closure of their place of employment.
“Immediately after learning of the new development, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres was informed and collaboration with U.S. [Delegate] Gregorio Kilili Sablan was requested. At this particular juncture, there is an agreement between our administration, our congressional office, and other territories to protect the welfare of our people,” said Labor Secretary Vicky Benavente.
“As of this press release, we can confirm that Guam [Delegate] Michael San Nicolas is already working on legislation to address the issue of individuals on reduced hours. We just need to include workers who have been furloughed into that legislation,” said Benavente.
There is consensus among the territories that a ruling such as the one described above for furloughed employees will have an exacerbated effect on many if not all territorial governments. Moreover, each of these islands do not effectuate other unemployment insurance programs to provide a safety net for displaced or dislocated workers.
“This decision by USDOL is unfortunate as it affects the majority of PUA claims here in the CNMI. However, we will continue to collaborate with our federal partners, our congressional office, and our territorial colleagues to protect our workers and ensure they continue to receive assistance during this unprecedented time,” said Torres. (PR)
