Union advocates for legislative support of collective bargaining rights in CNMI

The local 5335 Northern Marianas Professional Firefighters Union, which is a part of the International Association of Fire Fighters, has spent several weeks meeting with members of the local Legislature to gather support for the rights of public sector employees to unionize and collectively bargain.

In a press release from NMPFU president Paul B. Sasamoto last Monday, he said their union representatives have been going door-to-door with lawmakers, asking whether or not they support organized labor unions while also addressing misconceptions about unionization in the CNMI.

“We’re ‘knocking down’ doors to make a big impact for all government employees,” said Sasamoto, explaining that, despite some questions, almost all legislators from both the House and Senate have expressed support.

“Surprisingly, there are some legislators that were former union members such as congressman Malcom Omar and congresswoman Julie Ogo and are fully supportive with organized labor for all public sector employees. For the rest of the legislative members, we had to educate them that the Northern Marianas Professional Firefighters Union, is the first organized labor union in the CNMI government and that we are ‘knocking down’ doors to make a big impact for all government employees and that we will not put the community in jeopardy such as going on strike during an emergency situation or at any time for that matter. It is against the law for essential services employees to go on strike as well as it is clearly documented in our proposed collective bargaining agreement.” stated Sasamoto.

He added that almost all of the lawmakers from the House and Senate support organized labor.

“Those that don’t understand this process, we are not trying to put the CNMI government in financial ruin, which is a huge misconception about unions in general, but rather have the government accountable in ensuring that its workforce is treated fairly and equally without fear or consequences and free from corruption due to political affiliations or familial relations. Our mission is to ensure we receive reasonable fair wages and benefits based on current industry standards and expectations of our profession that’ll ultimately lead to a better quality of life for ourselves and our families.”

Reflecting on years of workforce challenges, Sasamoto noted that they have seen that the government has failed its employees from unlawful hirings, promotions, furloughs, and terminations.

He added that union representation could help hold the government accountable for treating employees fairly. “Who better to take care of employees but employees themselves?” he asked, pointing out that existing personnel management offices often fail to provide workers the protection they need.

“Although the government has a personnel management office to address these issues and concerns often times than not the employee will be left with a negative outcome with no resources or support but to fend for themselves even though it clearly shows that they are within their rights.”

Sasamoto encouraged employees and community members alike to support the union’s efforts, reminding them that U.S. and CNMI laws protect the rights of employees to organize of their own choosing and collectively bargain with their employer.

“It is our right, and we intend to exercise that right,” he said.

Sasamoto then asked the public to join in the effort, declaring, “It’s about time CNMI, stand up for your right.”