NMI asserts control over labor

The CNMI Department of Labor and Immigration (DOLI) has told federal labor officials it will no longer honor the MOU regarding referral of Temporary Work Authorization of guest workers.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed under the previous administration between the CNMI and federal labor office which arbitrarily grants the latter control over labor cases here on aggrieved employees.

DOLI is saying “NO MAS” which essentially declares that the local government takes full control over its labor and immigration policies.

In fact, federal labor officials may have contributed directly to the scam given US Department of Interior’s federal takeover agenda. If you recall, it included soliciting the input of other federal agencies to justify its agenda even against violating US Public Law that established the Covenant Agreement.

That Agreement grants the CNMI government complete control over its labor and immigration policies. It is an authority solely reserved for the federal, an authority the US Congress saw fit to grant the Marianas under the Covenant Agreement. No other state or territory has been granted such authority.

It should be understood that the CNMI has every legal right to cancel the MOU signed under the previous administration. The MOU, however signed by both parties, didn’t in anyway reign it supreme over federal statute granting the CNMI control over its labor and immigration. It’s just an understanding, the ramifications of which granted the federal labor office more than its share of power.

The enforcement of labor laws remains the sole preserve of the local government. Any attempt, current or future, to circumvent the authority solely granted the CNMI would be a usurpation of federal law. As such, it behooves federal labor office here to steer clear of what’s solely the purview of the local government. It’s all part and whole of the rights of the CNMI to self-government.

Once and for all, federal labor and immigration officials must step aside and allow the CNMI to refine its policies and strengthen its law enforcement efforts. Doing so trumpets the message that in fact federal officials, including those who vacuously assume illegal authority on policy matters, are willing to honor the very essence of guaranteed self-government.

The arbitrary assumption of power as to flaunt usurping the intent of federal law granting the CNMI control over its labor and immigration is but a violation of law, no more, no less. It is just as appropriate today that federal officials review the letter and spirit of the Covenant Agreement. I am sure there’s no provision whatsoever that even suggest that an MOU can be considered supreme over federal law establishing US-CNMI relations.

Let’s follow what the agreement provides in that it would also open the way into better working rapport between the federal government and the CNMI. It’s time to rebuild the ruined bridge of cooperation in that we too ask for nothing less than our Mother Country honoring its commitment under the terms and conditions of the Covenant Agreement. God Bless America!