On top of the Commonwealth Casino Commission and the Lottery Commission, a separate board is being proposed to oversee the casino\u2019s labor force.<\/p>\n
In an email to members of the Lottery Commission and Casino Commission members, Sen. Paul Manglona (R-Rota) recommends setting up a separate board to oversee the casino, at the recommendation of an unnamed individual.<\/p>\n
Manglona suggests that the government set up an independent monitoring mechanism\u2014funded by casino owner Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC\u2014to ensure compliance with labor and safety regulations of the casino licensee and their contractors.<\/p>\n
In a separate interview, Manglona told Saipan Tribune that this would ensure IPI\u2019s compliance with labor laws and regulations. \u201cIt would be good to put people in there that are experienced and knowledgeable with labor issues,\u201d he said, adding that this is a mere recommendation.<\/p>\n
According to Manglona, the proposed board would cover all employees involved in the casino construction or related fields, regardless if IPI hired them directly or through contractor. <\/p>\n
The board would regulate grievance procedures, where workers will be able to submit questions, suggestion, or complaints to an independent third party.<\/p>\n
The board would also be inspecting construction sites, living quarters, and other areas through \u201cunannounced audits\u201d as well as conducting worker trainings on the rights of workers, including wage and hour laws, health and safety, visa and immigration rights, and grievance procedures.<\/p>\n
The cost for the board\u2019s operation is approximately $350,000 annually, which IPI is expected to shoulder.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring the garment industry period, I personally introduced legislation, Senate Bill 11-98\u2026to address this similar issue. However, the garment association created its own monitoring system through a code of conduct to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations,\u201d wrote Manglona in his email to the Lottery Commission and the Casino Commission, adding that he agrees that an independent monitoring board to ensure compliance with labor and safety regulations must be set up.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the negative publicity Saipan and its casino industry have been getting, this will significantly improve the image of our paradise island and most importantly enhance our standards for the treatment of workers, working conditions, and living,\u201d he continued.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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