SGMA bats for total compliance

Saipan Garments Manufacturing Association Chairman James Lin this week said the recent training session conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage & Hour Compliance Division underscores the manufacturing sector’s seriousness in complying with federal labor laws.

The workshop, held at the SGMA headquarters conference training rooms in Gualo Rai, April 2, said Lin, is also in line with Gov. Juan N. Babauta’s avowed goal of bringing all industries in total compliance with all local and federal labor laws.

“This training conference sends a message to the new administration that SGMA promises to do the best it can to ensure that our members follow the law,” said Lin. “We totally support the Governor1s pledge to correct any remaining deficiencies in compliance with labor and immigration laws.”

According to Lin, the industry has come a long way in resolving the problems of the past and achieving reforms in the workplace for the past five years.

“We commit to maintaining and improving conditions at the workplace and at the living quarters. SGMA supports 100 percent the governor’s mission by making our industry as good as it can be,” said Lin, who owns United International Corp., one of the biggest garment operations on Saipan.

During the April 2 conference, approximately 50 participants from 27 out of 31 apparel companies met with four U.S. Labor representatives from the enforcement division of Wage & Hour Compliance.

The training session consisted of four hours of education, as an outreach by U.S. Labor, under the United States Fair Labor Standards Act.

According to SGMA, it will next request the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for educational and technical assistance for association companies.

SGMA is comprised of 31 apparel companies. Total employment in the industry is currently about 15,500. Nearly another 7,000 jobs are created by the industry, some 1,500 in government. The factories account for approximately 40% of total government revenue.