OSHA: No sweatshops on Saipan

There are no sweatshops on Saipan, according to OSHA officials and administrators.

Region IV OSHA administrators offered to SGMA Executive Director Richard A. Pierce, this assessment at a closing conference for United International Corporation, and after concluding a large portion of the first baseline study of the CNMI Garment industry since 1996.

In meetings with OSHA Region IV Regional Administrator Frank Strasheim on March 16, and in a meeting with OSHA’s Connie Hunt on April 13, Pierce met to discuss OSHA’s full team of inspectors’ activity in preparing the baseline study, and to continue efforts to build occupational safety and compliance through the joint cooperative effort between the groups.

Strasheim reported that OSHA was conducting the first comprehensive industry study in Saipan since 1996. Particular focus was given to fire safety, record keeping, water and sanitation and any overcrowding in company dormitories. Inspections were also occurring in labor dormitories for other business sectors as well.

“The Excellence 2000 program was discussed, where an agreement would be drawn between SGMA and Region IV OSHA, whereby SGMA members could voluntarily participate in the agreement where OSHA inspects companies regularly for program adherence, as opposed to the usual enforcement inspections,” Pierce said.

OSHA and SGMA are working on a final draft to be presented to the Association at the Code of Conduct training in August.

“I honestly believe that OSHA sees our industry at the point where compliance and an effort to implement safety programs warrants this program implementation. Most of our companies have been here long enough that their systems are beginning to be consistent.” he said.

In a second meeting on April 13, 1999, OSHA provided Pierce with their Appendix: Example Elements of Needed Health Programs. This was drawn in response to recent food preparation deficiencies that resulted in food poisoning. This Appendix was delivered to the association general membership at a meeting on April 16.

Pierce had telephone conferences with a San Francisco OSHA official, and again with Strasheim, concerning The Global Exchange’s internet posting of specific OSHA citations of SGMA members before the local firm’s had even received the citations.

He said that “Strasheim explained that even though this may be possible, it is troublesome.”

During both the OSHA citation informal conference, and during the teleconference, it was reported that specifics contained on The Global Exchange were in fact denied by OSHA.

OSHA did not agree with the Global Exchange’s allegations concerning occupational safety and sanitation reports, specifically those referring to water and medical attention complaints received at Saipan factories.

“Mr. Frank Strasheim is a most straightforward straight-up OSHA official. We totally agree on goals and methods to achieve those goals. SGMA hopes to be able to see this all come to pass, particularly the Excellence 2000 program for the future of occupational safety and health within our Saipan garment industry employment ranks,” Pierce said.