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Pickets break up on promise of jobs
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Posted on Jan 21 1999
Nine Chinese workers picketing in front of the Administration Building finally agreed to disperse yesterday after immigration and labor officials promised to assist them in finding new jobs during a meeting mediated by Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio.
The workers, mostly farmers from mainland China, trooped the Capitol Hill Monday just after the governor met with President Clinton’s special representative, Edward Cohen, to dramatize their plight for non-payment of wages by their employer on Tinian.
Immigration and labor officials spoke to the workers through an interpreter for more than an hour explaining that their case is being looked into and that they will be assisted in finding new employers for temporary work.
Initially the workers declined the offer, saying they wanted permanent jobs so they could stay in the Northern Marianas. Only Wu Yan Yu, of Putian, Fujian province, said she was willing to work even temporary.
According to workers, they each paid $6,5000 to a certain Zheng, a cousin of their employer, so they could work for Hua Xiang Corp. on Tinian as farmers. But when they arrived on the island municipality early last year, there was no farm but a factory for making hollow blocks which their employer closed down later.
The workers entered the commonwealth through Malaysia.
But upon the prodding of the governor, the workers agreed to accept the proposal while their case is being heard.
“The government will try its best to help you. Appropriate charges have been filed against your employer and in the meantime labor and immigration will help you find jobs,” Tenorio told the workers.
Charges of non-payment of wages have been filed against their employer and a warrant has been issued to prevent him from leaving the Northern Marianas.
