Saipan Senator Maria Pangelinan submitted sworn testimony to the US Congress defending our local populace against the big business effort to freeze our minimum wage.
Eventually, the minimum wage issue is one for our local islanders, as a greater reduction in CNMI government personnel will necessitate moving local residents into the private sector. Local islanders already working in the private sector are in desperate need of better representation against big business. Expecting local residents to survive this economic climate on "chamber" and HANMI slave wages is not a feasible solution for our financially challenged residents. Economically, supporting an increase in our minimum wages will aid the long term economic prospects of our indigenous populace. Improved wages may even retain some of our exiting youth.
The reason I support improved status for our guest workers is not only moral, but reasonable economic logic as well. If we improve status and many guest workers move to the mainland, this will force our private sector to train and employ locals.
Historically, business never gives anything until laws force their compliance and the plight of African Americans and women in the US would be two evidential examples of that fact.
It is good to see some NMI lawmakers standing up to big business here. Kudos are in order to our distinguished Senator Pangelinan.
Ron Hodges
Puerto Rico, Saipan