Advocating for CNMI guest workers

The Coalition of United Workers (NMI) was formed only in mid-April 2008. Before I became interim chair of the organization, I was just another observer who wrote letters to the media when there was an outrage that cried out for attention. What I knew back then about the challenges confronting guest workers was pitifully small—even though I have lived here since early 1997.

I was elected president of the Coalition in April and it has been a tough three months because there are so many things for us to do and so little time. The consolation is from knowing that each day will bring an opportunity to help which came along with the reward of knowledge and friendships. The support and assistance we get from people in the local and federal government, the Philippine Consulate and even some churches made the journey smooth sailing.

So far, some of the issues we have tackled are:

1. Insolvent, undercapitalized bonding companies for which a meeting with Senate President Pete Reyes, Sen. Frica Pangelinan and the Department of Commerce was held to discuss how the guest workers with unpaid wages may be assisted.

2. Non-compliance by some employers with the required minimum wage.

3. Need to inform the guest workers of new Department of Labor regulations.

4. Food stamps

5. Questions about the federal stimulus checks

6. Need to educate guest workers about PL 15 – 108 (CNMI new Labor Law)

7. Educating guest workers about PL 110 – 229 (The Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008, better known as federalization of CNMI Immigration System), for which a series of forums are being held

In addition, the Coalition has been asked to raise funds to help fellow Filipinos. We help make the right connections so people can get assistance. We have a reliable network of solid sources with sound information. Because of the large number of people coming to us with questions or seeking assistance, we decided to have a Coalition officer sit alternately at Winchell’s Garapan and Winchell’s Susupe starting at 8:30pm until sometimes 11pm to be available to just talk to people.

The worst case we have heard about and dealt with was the rape of a woman. We all know that the crime of rape happens with frightening reality, but hearing a victim describe it is shocking.

Two of the most memorable incidents involve illegal recruitment—one involving a Chinese woman and the other involving five Filipinos. When we met with the Chinese woman, she was in tears as we sipped tea while we were waiting to go into the Ombudsman’s Office. Like many others on Saipan, she had been betrayed by a “friend” who illegally recruited her and took her precious passport. Once her case was resolved, she called just before she went home and said, “Thank you, thank you” again and again.

Last week, three of five illegally recruited guest workers left for Manila. Earlier on, we met with one of them and he told us their sad story. We managed to find an organization willing to provide food supplies. Days later, they contacted us to ask how to find an attorney that will help them. We contacted Micronesian Legal Services and they gave us an appointment.

Unfortunately, we can only do so much. We hoped they would follow through the legal process—but on their own. They decided to just go back home. We learned that their decision was influenced by the tragic decision of the NMI Department of Labor to deny their request to renew their Temporary Work Authorization (TWA).

In the days to come, we expect to see a ballooning number of guest workers in need to protection and assistance. Our chief priority will be to find ways where guest workers can get honest, clear answers to their questions. We will continue to offer solutions and bring issues that affect us to public attention.

Time and again, our plea has been for acceptance of the guest worker as a partner—not a threat. In one of the recent public hearings, someone used the word “co-exist”. That can happen if we all contribute to the eventual recovery of the CNMI economy and the restoration of faith in the integrity of NMI government. We can all work to make the restoration process work effectively—here in the islands and in Washington.

United we stand!