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Bill banning alien workers from select positions awaits passage
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Posted on Mar 24 2006
The Northern Marianas Apprenticeship bill, which seeks to ban the hiring of foreign workers in certain skilled positions, is now awaiting the governor’s approval.
House Bill 15-27 was passed by the Legislature without an amendment. Gov. Benigno R. Fitial has 40 days to act on the bill.
The measure will mandate the NMC to create an apprenticeship program and stop the hiring or renewal of foreign workers who have similar jobs as students certified under the training program.
Authored by Rep. Justo Quitugua, the proposed legislation seeks to ultimately develop a skilled local workforce and reduce the Commonwealth’s reliance on nonresident workers.
H.B. 15-27 earmarks at least $1.5 million of nonresident workers fees solely to the NMC apprenticeship program. It will require the Finance secretary to reserve $75,000 each for the youth employment training programs on Tinian and Rota.
In addition, the bill earmarks $575,000 for the Department of Labor for use in enforcing laws on local worker preference.
According to the bill, U.S. citizens who have finished high school will be given priority in the NMC apprenticeship program. The program’s account will cover all tuition and fees for students who qualify for apprenticeship. Students will also receive a stipend based on funds availability.
Non-U.S. citizens may be enrolled in the program depending on space availability. They will also have to pay full tuition and related fees.
Employers will be required to pay students certified under the apprenticeship program a salary of one dollar above the prevailing minimum wage.
The bill wants the Finance Department to transfer an initial $1.5 million to the NMC apprenticeship account once the program has been established. NMC may use only up to 50 percent of these funds for personnel costs.
Once enacted, H.B. 15-27 will prohibit the Department of Labor from approving new job applications or renewal applications for nonresident workers with similar occupations of students certified under the NMC apprenticeship program.
