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Torres commends Labor for collecting unpaid wages
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres lauded the Department of Labor’s efforts to collect more than $1 million in unpaid wages owed employees by different companies. Labor has intensified its efforts to have business owners comply with rules and regulations when it comes to compensation.
Labor officials collected a total of $1,360,267 in unpaid wages and overtime from businesses that commit unlawful business practices. Torres said the unlawful practice of some employers also has an affect on the CNMI’s economy, which is slowly coming out from years of little or no growth at all.
“The stability and growth potential of the CNMI’s economy depend upon active participation by our workforce. The CNMI has a relatively small population and an even smaller available workforce population,” added Torres.
Ensuring the workers’ rights and labor opportunities of CNMI employees are among the other things Labor is monitoring.
“I recognize the diligence and hard work of the Department of Labor in ensuring compliance and fair labor practices as we move forward to ensure adequate and meaningful opportunities for all our workers,” Torres said.
Labor Secretary Edith Deleon Guerrero has noted that economic development and workforce support are connected, that’s why they increased the enforcement of labor laws and other regulations to make sure employers remain in compliance.
Workforce participation rates, submitting employers’ reports, quarterly workforce listing, and presenting a workforce plan by prioritizing the hiring of qualified local applicants that’s in line with the CNMI-Only Transitional Nonimmigrant Visa program are some of the activities Labor are ensuring the employers are in compliance with the labor laws.
Torres said Labor’s renewed commitment in enforcing labor laws has instilled employee confidence and increased awareness of the employment rights of the employees.
“With these assurances and continuous community outreach, Labor has seen an increase in labor complaints and unpaid wage recoveries, holding businesses accountable and collecting for employees on their owed wages.”
“The increase in mediating labor complaints has definitely improved as we move forward with our economy on the rebound,” he said.
