Vietnam seeks assistance in resolving workers' crisis

WASHINGTON DC — Congressman Eni Faleomavaega announced that the Ambassador of Vietnam is seeking his assistance in resolving the problems relating to the Vietnamese workers in the Territory of American Samoa.

“Ambassador Le Van Bang contacted my office shortly after directing his assistant, the Charge D’ Affairs, to respond to the Governor’s (Tauese Sunia) recent correspondence to the Embassy,” Mr. Faleomavaega said.

“I am pleased that the Ambassador is taking preliminary steps to resolve this crisis. I am also pleased that he directed his assistant, the Honorable Pham Van Que, to inform the Governor’s office of Vietnam’s attempt to bring resolution to this matter,” Mr. Faleomavaega said.

“At this time, I have informed the Ambassador that our local leaders must have a voice in determining what course of action should be taken. I will be discussing the matter in further detail with the Governor and Fono leaders this week. In the interim, members of my DC. staff will be meeting with Vietnamese Embassy officials as early as Tuesday, February 20th,” Mr. Faleomavaega said.

“Although the Ambassador and his Charge D’ Affairs have acknowledged the Government of Vietnam’s intent to help its workers return home, it is still unclear as to whether or not Vietnam is committed to assisting financially. It is my intent to meet with the Ambassador upon my return to Washington to clarify and solidify the Government of Vietnam’s participation in bringing this matter to a fair and expeditious resolution,” he said.

“It is my understanding that the Governor will be in Washington for the National Governors’ Association conference during the time of my scheduled meeting with the Ambassador. I have invited the Governor to meet with us during this time. If his schedule permits, this will be an opportune time for us to work together to resolve this crisis for the good of our Territory and the Government of Vietnam,” Mr. Faleomavaega said.

“In preparation for our discussion, I have made plain to the Ambassador that we will need to resolve three primary issues now facing our Territory and the Government of Vietnam. One, we must address the issue of back wages owed to more than 250 Vietnamese workers. Two, we must come to terms on transportation costs associated with the workers returning to Vietnam. Three, we must address the concerns of those voicing objections to returning to their homeland,” Mr. Faleomavaega said.