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IPI: US employment a priority
Casino investor Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC said they would continue to prioritize hiring U.S.-eligible workers, most especially in their ongoing multi-million Imperial Pacific Resort construction project.
IPI gave the assurance after terminating their contract with Pacific Rim Constructors Inc., the company that was building the casino in Garapan. The contract’s termination was effective yesterday.
Last week, Rep. Edwin K. Propst (Ind-Saipan) posted a note that was reportedly signed by Pacific Rim senior project manager Richard Suryn, informing their workers that IPI has terminated their contract.
The note states that they will be out of work effective Oct. 25. “Accordingly, it is with regret that we must give you this notice of layoff. Your employment status will change to layoff effective Oct. 25 unless you are notified of another change of employment status before Oct. 25.”
IPI, on the other hand, said that they are in negotiation with Pacific Rim to acquire all of their U.S. eligible workers in order to finish the Imperial Pacific Resort’s construction, which was given an extension of completion on Feb. 28, 2021.
They said they are working with Pacific Rim to make sure that U.S. eligible workers will have continued employment under IPI once the work of the Guam-based contractor officially ends.
“IPI International (CNMI) LLC will continue to promote U.S. employment and is committed toward the completion of its construction project to boost [the] local economy. IPI is proactively working with Pacific Rim in offering continued employment under IPI’s construction project,” IPI said in the statement.
Saipan Tribune tried to obtain further comments from Pacific Rim yesterday but they have yet to respond as of press time.
Local DOL to the rescue
The CNMI Department of Labor, meanwhile, will be providing a one-day job fair on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 9am to 3pm at the Kagman High School cafeteria, for U.S. eligible workers and other individuals that were affected by recent layoffs or business closures
The CNMI Department of Labor has teamed up with some local business establishments that will be present to recruit employees.
