DOL works with Pacific Rim, Mariana Resort

After receiving official notices of layoff or closure of CNMI businesses such as Pacific Rim and the Mariana Resort and Spa, the CNMI Department of Labor has been working with both entities to ensure that the companies comply with laws, policies, and procedures protecting the rights of employees affected by the layoffs or business closure.

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres assured that prioritizing U.S. workers and the development of local capacity have always been and will continue to be the priority.

“We are doing everything we can as a government to be proactive in assisting affected employees transition into new job. We are working with potential businesses and utilizing our private sector partnerships in order to expand the job opportunities for interested individuals. We will not sit idle as a government when there are people that need help” Torres said.

He praised Labor Secretary Vicky Benavente and her team at DOL “for their leadership and their compassion.”

According to Gil M. San Nicolas, director of Enforcement, DOL has been in communication with potential businesses to organize events and follow up with negotiations to help both the employers and employees with the transition process.

Benavente encourages interested individuals and affected employees and individuals to attend the DOL-organized job fair on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, at the Kagman High School cafeteria from 9am to 3pm.

“We humbly urge all individuals interested and/or those affected by the layoffs or business closures to attend the job fair on Saturday, Oct. 6. If you can’t attend the job fair, we encourage anyone to please visit our team members at the DOL Employment Services or Workforce Investment Agency Units [on Capital] Hill,” she said.

Benavente added that DOL activities such as job fair and followups have been ongoing since the first job fair and informational sessions kicked off in April of this year.

“We will continue to extend our services in the community to increase access and opportunities for the CNMI’s workforce” she added. “Those attending the job fair should bring a copy of their resume and/or be prepared to fill out job applications or applicable DOL forms. The Department of Labor will work with participants to quickly maximize public and private resources to minimize the disruption on affected workers, and communities associated with job loss. There is no cost to you or the community for these services.”

For more information about the job fair or DOL Employment Services Unit, contact 664-3190 or 322-0996. For the Workforce Investment Agency Unit, contact 664-1708. (PR)