3 nightclubs referred for investigation

The Division of Labor was urged to review the operations of three nightclubs on Saipan and the status of the 14 nonresident employees working there, following the conviction of the company’s general manager.

Department of Labor hearing officer Jerry Cody made the recommendation, as he affirmed the renewal permit application filed by Far Ocean Corporation for Zhu Lian Kun.

Zhu is currently in jail awaiting his sentencing. He was recently convicted of three drug distribution counts in the U.S. District Court.

“As a result of this conviction, any request for Mr. Zhu for further transfer relief is denied and Mr. Zhu is referred to the Office of the Attorney General for deportation proceedings consistent with this order and [Zhu’s] federal criminal case,” Cody said.

Records showed that Zhu previously worked for Far Ocean Corp. as general manager. His work permit expired on July 7, 2004. On the same day, Far Ocean Corp. filed a renewal application for him.

The Labor department denied the application based on a “questionable signature” of the corporate president, Cui Wen Sheng. Zhu appealed the denial on Sept. 29, 2004.

A hearing of the appeal was set for Jan. 25, 2005. Zhu was not able to attend as he had been convicted of drug distribution prior to the hearing.

“Given the impending incarceration of Mr. Zhu, the denial of Zhu’s application to serve as general manager is justified simply on the grounds that Mr. Zhu will be unavailable to perform the services requested. Moreover, the convictions render Mr. Zhu “excludable” and thus, ineligible to work as a nonresident worker,” Cody said.

Further, the hearing officer said Far Ocean Corp. should be referred to the Division of Labor for a review of the employer’s businesses on Saipan and the status of its 14 nonresident workers.

Cody said that as of March 2004, Far Ocean Corp. owned and operated three businesses: Rapongi Bar in Garapan, Diamond Karaoke Night Club in Garapan, and Diamond Bar in Susupe.

Based on Labor documents, 14 other nonresident workers currently have existing or pending permits to work for Far Ocean Corp.

“Given that Far Ocean’s general manager, Zhu Lian Kun, is now incarcerated, serious questions have arisen as to the current status of the business; i.e. whether the clubs are operating and if so, who is managing the workers,” Cody said. “This matter shall be referred to the [Labor] director, who has the discretionary authority to commence an investigation of the matter and if necessary, to order the workers to appear for investigation to resolve their status.”