Auditor I JVA OPA-21-002

Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation seeking to hire full-time Temporary Hires for COVID-19 Mass Vaccinations Operations

Entry Screener - 15 Positions: https://chcc.gov.mp/DocumentFiles/ENTRY%20SCREENER.pdf

Post Vaccination Observer/ Health Educator - 18 Positions: https://chcc.gov.mp/DocumentFiles/POST%20VACCINATION%20OBSERVER%20.%20HEALTH%20EDUCATOR.pdf

Vaccine Data Clerk - 12 Positions: https://chcc.gov.mp/DocumentFiles/VACCINE%20DATA%20CLERK.pdf

Vaccine Billing Clerk - 4 Positions: https://chcc.gov.mp/DocumentFiles/VACCINE%20BILLING%20CLERK.pdf

***TO ALL INTERESTED ATTENDEES: NOTE THE DATE AND TIME DIFFERENCE FOR ALL TRAINING CLASSES!***

CNMI DOL announces second round of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) for the CNMI

February 11, 2021 - The CNMI Department of Labor (DOL) will begin accepting applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) as a result of COVID-19 for affected workers in the CNMI starting February 16, 2021 through March 13, 2021.

WHAT IS PUA?
The PUA program provides temporary benefits to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of COVID-19. The PUA program, through the Continued Assistance Act (CAA), provides eligible applicants in the CNMI with 11 weeks of unemployment benefits starting on December 27, 2020 to March 13, 2021.

WHAT IS FPUC?
Under the CAA, for weeks of unemployment beginning after December 26, 2020 and ending on or before March 14, 2021, an individual collecting PUA may collect a $300 FPUC payment per week.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR PUA/FPUC?
Due to the extensive nature of the eligibility conditions and requirements for PUA, please consult the “PUA/FPUC Benefits Rights Information Handbook” found on the CNMI Department of Labor’s website at: http://www.marianaslabor.net, under “Forms and Publications” for details.

APPLICATION FILING DATES
Individuals may apply for PUA if they have had a week(s) of full or partial unemployment on or after December 27, 2020 through March 13, 2021 as a result of COVID-19. Individuals may file applications for PUA one week from the date of this announcement, starting February 16, 2021 and ending March 13, 2021.

HOW AND WHERE TO APPLY
ONLINE: Claimants may apply for PUA either online or in person. Submit a PUA application online at the following address: www.hiremarianas.com.
PAPER: PUA applications and other forms may also be obtained and submitted at either of the following location(s):

Saipan:
Department of Labor
Division of Employment Services
Building # 1334, Ascension Dr.
Capitol Hill, Saipan MP 96950		 Rota:
Northern Marianas College
Room #A2
Rota, MP 96951		 Tinian:
Department of Labor
Edu's Plaza, 1st Floor
San Jose Village
Tinian, MP 96952

*NEW Paper Application Submission Instructions: To combat the effects of COVID-19, the Saipan PUA Program is strictly implementing the following application submission schedule from February 16, 2021 to March 15, 2021 (Monday - Friday) from 8:00am to 3:00pm:

Monday: Only accepting paper application submissions for last names “A” to “C”
Tuesday: Only accepting paper application submissions for last names “D” to “H”
Wednesday: Only accepting paper application submissions for last names “I” to “M”
Thursday: Only accepting paper application submissions for last names “N” to “R”
Friday: Only accepting paper application submissions for last names “S” to “Z”

Important Notes: In consideration of the February 16th opening date falling on a Tuesday, the Department will also be accepting paper applications for last names beginning with “A” to “C” along with “D” to “H” only. In consideration of the application end date falling on a Saturday (March, 13, 2021), the Department will accept paper application submissions on the Monday (March 15, 2021) following the deadline.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
*NEW: Individuals filing a new PUA application on or after January 31, 2021 (regardless of whether the claim is backdated), are required to provide documentation within 21 days of the application or the date the individual is directed to submit the documentation by CNMI DOL, whichever is later.

*NEW: Individuals who applied for PUA before January 31, 2021 and receive a payment of PUA on or after December 27, 2020 (regardless of which week ending date is being paid), are required to provide documentation substantiating employment or self-employment, or the planned commencement of employment or self-employment, within 90 days of the application or when directed to submit documentation by CNMI DOL, whichever is later.

To receive PUA, individuals must submit in-person or upload online the following:
(1) A government issued picture identification (Driver’s license, passport, alien registration card, etc.), (2) Social Security Card number, (3) If applicable, copies of the most recent federal income tax form(s), check stubs, and other proof of earnings, and (4) If applicable, evidence of self-employment earnings, business license, including financial documents such as 2017 Federal/CNMI income tax forms, profit and loss statement, and proof of business loss due to the disaster.

ALL INQUIRIES
Individuals who have questions about the PUA/FPUC programs are encouraged to email info@puamarianas.com or call any of the following numbers between 8:00 am through 4:00 pm, Monday – Friday, except on holidays.

Saipan: (670) 322-8870/71/72/73/74/76/77/78/79/80 or 989-9190/92/93/94
Rota: (670) 989-9001
Tinian: (670) 989-9000 or 433-0889

FURTHER INFORMATION
Individuals who are determined eligible for PUA must file weekly claim certifications (to demonstrate their continued eligibility) either in person or online by using any of the filing methods described above. Continued eligibility is determined on a week-by-week basis. Please consult the “PUA/FPUC Benefits Rights Information Handbook” found on the CNMI Department of Labor’s website at: http://www.marianaslabor.net, under “Forms and Publications” for details. 

Individuals who willfully conceal material facts or knowingly making false statement(s) to obtain PUA to which they are not entitled will be required to repay all benefits fraudulently collected and may be subject to prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001.

FRAUD HOTLINE
Individuals are encouraged to call 670-989-9095 to report any perceived instances of wrongdoing or fraud pertaining to the PUA/FPUC programs.

PUBLIC NOTICE

RE: MONETARY DETERMINATION NOTICES

The CNMI Department of Labor - PUA Program is aware of "PUA Monetary Determination" notices being sent in error by its vendor.  A current critical work order has been sent to the vendor to rectify the situation. Please disregard those notices and continue to follow all PUA guidance on the CNMI Department of Labor website at: http://www.marianaslabor.net. We apologize for the inconvenience.

RE: 1099Gs

The CNMI Department of Labor - PUA Program is working with the CNMI Department of Finance on making all 1099G corrections.  As soon as all corrections have been made, the PUA Program will notify all individuals.

CNMI DOL advises claimants to disregard 1099-G attachments received via hiremarianas.com

January 28, 2021 - The CNMI Department of Labor (CNMI DOL) has received notification that certain individuals are receiving incorrect 1099-G tax information for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program via hiremarianas.com.

The Department is currently addressing the issue and would like to inform PUA recipients to disregard electronic messages sent by “POSTMASTER” today, January 28, 2021.  These messages contain incorrect 1099-G tax information and are sent with the following subject matter: “Certain Government Payments 1099G.”

Updates regarding this matter will be addressed in subsequent public announcements from CNMI DOL.

Reminder: 4th Quarter 2020 Total Workforce Listing & Workforce Plan due January 31, 2021

January 25, 2021 - The CNMI Department of Labor (DOL) wants to remind all employers that the 4th Quarter 2020 employer compliance reports are due on January 31, 2021.

Employers subject to employment reporting requirements must complete and submit a Total Workforce Listing and Workforce Plan (if applicable) on or before the deadline. In addition to the new multi-island job site reporting requirement, the DOL also added a rule for those employers whose employees were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To minimize public contact with staff members, the DOL encourages employers to submit their reports by email only. Employers unable to submit online may file a report with the DOL's Administrative Services office in Capitol Hill, Building #1356 or fax to (670) 664-3197. Failure or refusal to comply is cause for the DOL to issue a Notice of Violation to the employer which may result in fines and other sanctions following a due process hearing in the Administrative Hearing Office.

For more information or to request assistance in completing the reports, employers may contact DOL at (670) 664-3196. The Administrative Services office is open Monday to Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., except on federal and Commonwealth holidays.

Labor prepares for reopening of PUA program for new applications

January 25, 2021 - The CNMI Department of Labor (DOL) last week provided updates on changes involving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) eligibility as a result of the Continued Assistance Act (CAA).

The CAA includes Unemployment Insurance (UI) provisions that authorizes the extension of the PUA program in the Marianas through March 14, 2021, and expounds on the eligibility requirements and conditions necessary for obtaining PUA, among others.

“The Department is focused on preparing for the processing of applications for Continued Assistance and anticipates more applications to be submitted as soon as the program launches in the Marianas,” said Secretary of Labor Vicky Benavente. “The official opening date of the PUA program is fast approaching, so we are doing our best to prepare the community by providing pertinent PUA information.”

In a thorough review of Unemployment Insurance Program Letter (UIPL) 16-20, Change 4, CNMI DOL found that the eligibility requirements for PUA qualification have been expanded for Continued Assistance, but remains relatively the same. PUA claimants must continue to self-certify that their unemployment, partial unemployment, or inability or unavailability to work is specifically attributable to one or more of the COVID-19 related reasons specified in section 2102(a)(3)(A)(ii)(I)(aa) through (kk) of the CARES Act and must identify that specific reason for each week that PUA is claimed.

CNMI DOL found that the most prominent change to the PUA program (in relation to eligibility conditions) is the requirement for all claimants to provide documentation substantiating employment or self-employment, or the planned commencement of employment or self-employment.

Individuals filing a new PUA application on or after January 31, 2021 (regardless of whether the claim is backdated), are required to provide documentation within 21 days of [the] application or the date the individual is directed to submit the documentation by CNMI DOL, whichever is later. 

Individuals who applied for PUA before January 31, 2021 and receive a payment of PUA on or after December 27, 2020 (regardless of which week ending date is being paid), are required to provide documentation substantiating employment or self-employment, or the planned commencement of employment or self-employment, within 90 days of [the] application or when directed to submit documentation by CNMI DOL, whichever is later.

In response to the document submission requirement, the Department finds that potential claimants should prepare ahead of time by gathering employment documents prior to the official launch of the PUA program.

Types of acceptable documentation

In general, proof of employment includes, but is not limited to, paycheck stubs, earnings and leave statements showing the employer’s name and address, and W-2 forms when available. 

Proof of self-employment includes, but is not limited to, state or Federal employer identification numbers, business licenses, tax returns, business receipts, and signed affidavits from persons verifying the individual’s self-employment. 

Proof of employment with organizations such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and educational or religious organizations includes, but is not limited to, documentation provided by these organizations and signed affidavits from persons verifying the individual’s attachment to such organizations. 

Proof of the planned commencement of employment includes, but is not limited to, letters offering employment, statements/affidavits by individuals (with name and contact information) verifying an offer of employment. 

Proof of the planned commencement of self-employment includes, but is not limited to, business licenses, state or Federal employer identification numbers, written business plans, or a lease agreement.  Individuals must present the proof of employment and the state may verify the proof submitted using records the state may have available, such as wage records or state revenue records. 

In a recent webinar conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, CNMI DOL learned that individuals who are not fully unemployed as a result of the pandemic may not qualify for PUA. In other words, claimants who work reduced hours as a result of the pandemic may not qualify for PUA.

The Department understands the magnitude of the situation and has since requested a conference meeting with the U.S. Department of Labor for clarification and resolution. Further developments will be issued in a separate press release.

Individuals who have questions about the PUA/FPUC programs are encouraged to contact the CNMI DOL via email at info@puamarianas.com or call the following telephone numbers: 322-8870/8871/8872/8873/8874/8876/8877/8878/8879/8880.

Visit CNMI DOL’s website at www.marianaslabor.net to download copies of applicable UIPLs or for more PUA/FPUC-related information.

CNMI DOL advises public to hold off on new PUA applications until USDOL approval is granted

The CNMI Department of Labor is informing the general public not to submit any PUA paper applications or online applications for the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) extension, until official approval from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) has been received.

CNMI DOL will provide proper notification to the public once USDOL approval is official.

The CNMI DOL recently attended a webinar conducted by the USDOL, regarding the new Continued Assistance Act of 2020. The USDOL provided an overview of the new program dates and key program requirements for the coordination of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) Programs.

Secretary of Labor Vicky Benavente said there are additional changes in the new COVID-19 legislation, which the CNMI will be required to follow in order to participate in the federal unemployment assistance programs.

“There are also new requirements such as states must provide a method for employers to report individuals who refuse to return to work or refuse to accept an offer of suitable work. Once the Department receives approval to begin accepting PUA applications, we will be issuing an announcement with detailed instructions and requirements,” said Secretary Benavente.

For further information, contact the PUA Call Center at tel. 322-8870 / 322-8871 / 322-8873 / 322-8874 / 322-8876 / 322-8877 / 322-8878 / 322-8879 / 322-8880. 

Inquiries may also be emailed to info@puamarianas.com.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Offices of the Mayors of Tinian and Rota, in partnership with OPD, have announced various job openings. Click on any position below to view job descriptions and instructions on how to apply.

Application deadline is extended to January 29. Apply today!

Senior Solid Waste Engineer Saipan Solid Waste Coordinator Rota Solid Waste Coordinator

Solid Waste/Smart Safe Growth Planner & Project Coordinator
Junior Solid Waste Engineer Tinian Solid Waste Coordinator Solid Waste Technical Analyst

Solid Waste/Smart Safe Growth Planner

Call for Public Comment

December 11, 2020 - The Department of Labor Workforce Investment Agency (DOL WIA) in collaboration with the State Workforce Development Board (SWDB) invites the public to comment on the draft waiver request to the US Department of Labor Employment & Training Administration to increase the statutory requirements for the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) On-the-Job (OJT) reimbursement rates:

The statutory and/or regulatory requirements the state would like to waive;

In response to the unparalleled impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Department of Labor Workforce Investment Agency (CNMI DOL WIA), as the administering entity for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Formula Title I Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth funds, seeks a waiver on the statutory provision to reimburse fifty percent (50%) of an On-the-Job Training (OJT) participant wages for the extraordinary costs for training and supervision as prescribed at WIOA Section 134(c)(3)(H)(i) and 20 CFR 680.720 (b).

The CNMI DOL WIA requests a sliding scale reimbursement according to the proportion of the business entity as described at WIOA Section 134(c)(3)(H)(i) and 20 CFR 680.730 (a).  Upon approval of the waiver, employers or small businesses with fifty (50) or less employees will be reimbursed up to ninety percent (90%), while larger businesses with fifty-one (51) and upward of two hundred and fifty (250) employees will be reimbursed seventy-five percent (75%) applicable to all OJT contracts as permitted by WIOA formula funds for Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth.

A full copy of the waiver request may be viewed at DOL website: www.marianaslabor.net or emailed upon request.  

The comment period for the draft waiver begins on Friday, December 11, 2020 and closes on Friday, December 24, 2020.  Comments may be submitted electronically to ftorres@dol.gov.mp or cnmiswdb@dol.gov.mp, by fax to 664-1710, mailed to Caller Box 10007 Saipan, MP 96950, or in person at Bldg#1353 Mednilla Ave Capitol Hill.

CNMI DOL PUA Program announces change of operations

October 1, 2020 - The CNMI Department of Labor (CNMI DOL) is announcing that it will temporarily suspend the in-person appointments it has established for the PUA program at CNMI DOL building # 1334, starting October 15, 2020 to November 30, 2020.

The suspension is necessary for the Department to proceed with claims adjudication for PUA applicants whose applications have not been processed due to errors or incomplete information; to audit overpayments; conduct appeals; and for fraud detection purposes.

All PUA claimants who have pre-registered for appointments prior to the change in operations will be allowed to walk in for their scheduled appointments only up to October 14, 2020.

The Department is still accepting initial applications and weekly claims certification submissions via online (Hiremarianas.com) or at DOL building #1334 and will consider in-person appointments depending on the nature of the request.

Due to the change in PUA operations, the Department has revamped its email and Call Center operations. All individuals with PUA claims inquiries are encouraged to email info@puamarianas.com or call the following numbers for inquiries on their claims (hours of operation M-F, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, except on local or federal holidays):

670-322-8870 670-322-8871 670-322-8872
670-322-8873 670-322-8874 670-322-8876
670-322-8877 670-322-8878 670-322-8879
670-322-8890 670-989-9190 670-989-9192
670-989-9193 670-989-9194  

Additional DOL telephone lines:

As of September, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Federal Pandemic Unemployment programs have nearly 6,000 PUA applicants and disbursed more than $80 million in benefits.

The Department is reminding PUA applicants that they should continue to apply for the PUA program each week, only if they are still unemployed, furloughed, or have reduced working hours due to the economic impact of COVID-19.

For more information, contact the PUA Call Center at the numbers listed or send an email to info@puamarianas.com.

Reminder: 3rd Quarter 2020 Total Workforce Listing & Workforce Plan due October 31, 2020

October 1, 2020 - The CNMI Department of Labor (DOL) wants to remind all employers that the 3rd Quarter 2020 employer compliance reports are due on October 31, 2020. 

Employers subject to employment reporting requirements must complete and submit a Total Workforce Listing and Workforce Plan (if applicable) on or before the deadline. In addition to the new multi-job site reporting requirement, the DOL added a new rule for those employers whose employees were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To minimize public contact with staff members, the DOL encourages employers to submit their reports by email only. Employers unable to submit online may file a report with the DOL's Administrative Services office in Capitol Hill, Building #1356. Failure or refusal to comply is cause for the DOL to issue a Notice of Violation to the employer which may result in fines and other sanctions following a due process hearing in the Administrative Hearing Office.

For more information or to request assistance in completing the reports, employers may contact DOL at (670) 664-3196. The Administrative Services office is open Monday to Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., except on federal and Commonwealth holidays.

 

 

 

CNMI Department of Labor preparing to implement Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program

April 8, 2020 - Governor Ralph DLG. Torres announced yesterday that the CNMI Department of Labor (DOL) continues ongoing preparations to implement the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program under the recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. 
 
"We are working from our homes by holding briefings and communicating with our federal counterparts to complete the PUA application and implement the PUA program in the CNMI," stated CNMI Secretary of Labor Vicky Benavente.
 
Currently, the DOL is reviewing operational procedures to ensure the safety of the staff and general public once the PUA application period opens. After the eligibility requirements, benefits, and other information applicable to the CNMI are provided by the U.S. Department of Labor, CNMI DOL will issue a press release announcing the date, time, location, and contact information for submitting a PUA application.

All DOL Offices Closed Following Directive by Governor Ralph DLG Torres

March 16, 2020 - The CNMI Department of Labor (DOL) wants to inform the public that all DOL offices will be closed indefinitely. This announcement follows a memorandum issued by the Office of the Governor ordering a shutdown of all government offices and non-essential government functions. The precautionary measure was instated to prevent or mitigate the risk of a coronavirus outbreak amongst government employees and the visiting public.
 
In addition to the temporary suspension of DOL functions, all remaining Administrative hearings and deadlines scheduled for the month of March 2020 are hereby continued until further notice. The Administrative Hearing Office will continue to receive new complaints and filings electronically but processing will be delayed.
 
The CNMI Secretary of Labor urges all employers and workers to keep informed of the latest news and announcements regarding COVID-19. Facebook and Twitter updates are available from the Office of the Governor and Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation at @governorCNMI and @cnmichcc.

Reminder: 1st Quarter 2020 Total Workforce Listing & Workforce Plan due April 30, 2020

March 13, 2020 - The CNMI Department of Labor (DOL) wants to remind all employers to submit their quarterly Total Workforce Listing and Workforce Plan (if applicable) by 4:30 p.m. on April 30, 2020. The reports may be sent by email to documents@marianaslabor.net or submitted to the CNMI DOL's Administrative Services office located in Capitol Hill. The Admininstrative Services building is open between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on federal and Commonwealth holidays.
 
Employers may contact the CNMI DOL at 664-3196 for assistance in completing the quarterly compliance reports. Click here for additional information.

Free Webinar to Update Stakeholders on the Process for Filing CW-1 Applications for Employment in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

 
March 4, 2020 - The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) is inviting interested stakeholders to participate in a webinar that provides technical assistance and helpful tips for preparing the CW-1 Application for Prevailing Wage Determination (Form ETA-9141C) and the Application for Temporary Employment Certification (Form ETA-9142C).
 
The webinar will:
  • Provide technical assistance to employers (and authorized attorneys or agents) on how to complete and submit Forms ETA-9141C and ETA-9142C.
  • Provide a live video demonstration on how to use the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) System to prepare and submit CW-1 applications.
The CNMI Department of Labor encourages all employers who currently employ or are intending to hire CW-1 workers to attend the webinar. The webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2020, and begins at 8:30 a.m. Chamorro Standard Time. Visit the OFLC website to obtain the WebEx Link and login instructions for the webinar.

CNMI remains under State of Significant Emergency following COVID-19 Outbreak

March 2, 2020 - On Friday, Acting Governor Arnold I. Palacios issued Executive Order No. 2020-02 which extends the Declaration of State of Significant Emergency for an additional thirty days. The initial declaration, signed by Governor Ralph DLG. Torres on January 29, 2020, was scheduled to end on February 28, 2020.
 
The extended declaration establishes response, quarantine, and preventive containment measures for the Coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19 as it is commonly called. It also included a directive for mitigating or eliminating the risk of infected persons entering the Commonwealth. Click here to view the entire version of Executive Order No. 2020-02.

CNMI Department of Labor to hold Workshop

March 2, 2020 - The CNMI Department of Labor is inviting all businesses to attend a workshop on Wednesday, March 11, 2020.  The workshop will focus on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – with special attention to its impacts on health, tourism and workforce.
 
Topics of discussion will include local labor regulations, CW-1 regulations, workforce trends and the WIOA Apprenticeship State Expansion (ASE) grant, among others. The workshop will also feature two guest speakers – Esther Muna, Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Health Care Corporation who will discuss COVID-19 countermeasures in the workplace and Gloria Cavanagh, Chairperson of the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, who will speak on the economic impact of COVID-19 on the tourism industry.
 
WHO:  CNMI Department of Labor
WHAT:  Business Community Workshop
WHEN:  Wednesday, March 11, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
WHERE:  Pedro P. Tenorio Multipurpose Center, Susupe, Saipan
 
*This workshop is free and open to all businesses; spacing is limited – please RSVP by calling 664-3190/3196 or by emailing Mary Labadan at mlagultodol@gmail.com or Manny Iguel at manasesiguel@gmail.com by March 3, 2020.

Click on the links below to download information on:

Request for Public Comments WIOA State Plan - 2020-2023 WIOA State Plan for the CNMI - FY 2018 Section 8 Eligible Training Provider Eligible Training Provider Application

OSHA Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illness Due: March 2, 2020

Covered employers may begin electronically submitting their Summary of Work-Related Injury and Illness  (Form 300) for calendar year 2019 to  https://www.osha.gov/injuryreporting/ . Submissions deadline is March 2, 2020. Employers may contact the CNMI OSHA On-Site Consultation office for assistance at (670) 664-3153/4/5/6/7. 

Reminder: 4th Quarter 2019 Total Workforce Listing & Workforce Plan due January 31, 2019

The CNMI Department of Labor (DOL) wants to remind all employers to submit their quarterly Total Workforce Listing and Workforce Plan by 4:30 p.m. on January 31, 2020. The forms may be submitted by email to documents@marianaslabor.net or turned in to the CNMI DOL's Administrative Services office located in Capitol Hill. The Admininstrative Services building is open between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
 
Employers may contact the CNMI DOL at 664-3196 for assistance in completing the quarterly compliance reports. Click here for additional information.
December 11, 2019: OFLC Webinar Update for Preparing H-2B Applications for
Start Date on or after April 1, 2020
 
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) is inviting stakeholders to attend a webinar that provides best practices and helpful tips for preparing H-2B Applications for Temporary Employment Certification (Form ETA-9142B and appendices). The webinar will discuss:
The CNMI Department of Labor encourages all employers who are considering or intending to hire H-2B employees to attend the webinar. Click here for registration information and details of the webinar.
 
Important Note: The webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, December 11, at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time. All CNMI-based employers should be aware that the webinar will actually take place on Thursday, December 12, at 5:30 a.m. ChST.

Outreach for Construction and Mining Companies

The CNMI Department of Labor (DOL) will be hosting an outreach on Friday, September 20, 2019, for construction and mining companies. The event will be held at the Pacific Islands Club Napu Room from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Seating for the workshop has already been filled to capacity. For more information about the presentations, contact the Department of Labor at tel. 664-3196 or 322-4365.
 
Representatives from the Department of Public Works, Coastal Resources Management, and Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality will also be on site to answer questions and address concerns about compliance. Click here for a printable flyer of the Outreach.

WIA Closed for Annual Federal Reporting and System Upgrades

The CNMI Department of Labor Workforce Investment Agency (WIA) will be closed on Monday, September 9, through Wednesday, September 11, 2019. WIA will complete system upgrades and finalize its mandatory annual federal report.
 
Normal business hours and operations will resume on Thursday, September 12, 2019. For urgent WIA matters, please call the Office of the Secretary at (670) 664-3196.
 
WIA appreciates the community's patience and understanding.

Reminder: Second Quarter 2019 Total Workforce Listing & Workforce Plan due July 31, 2019

The CNMI Department of Labor wants to remind all businesses to submit their quarterly Total Workforce Listing and Workforce Plan by 4:30 p.m. on July 31, 2019. The forms may be submitted online by email to documents@marianaslabor.net or turned in to the Department of Labor Administrative Services office located on Capitol Hill. Any company having difficulty completing the two forms can call 664-3196 for assistance. The Admininstrative Services building is open between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Click here for more information.

CNMI Department of Labor to hold Community Outreach and Job Fair from May 21-22, 2019

The CNMI Department of Labor announced on Thursday that it will be holding its highly anticipated Community Outreach on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 and Job Fair on Wednesday, May 22, 2019.
 
Interest for the Community Outreach is high as the confirmed number of attendees for the outreach is already nearing 100 and is expected to grow as we [DOL] move closer to the date. Many employers have also expressed interest in becoming a job fair participant, which occurs the day after the community outreach. Both events are expected to be resourceful events for employers, employees, and individuals looking for work.
 
Topics of discussion during the outreach include enforcement and compliance of CNMI labor laws, Workforce Investment Agency program and partnering opportunities for CNMI employers, the labor complaint process and applicable regulations, and more.
 
Mr. Matthew Deleon Guerrero, Hive Analytics President and chief administrator of this year’s CNMI Prevailing Wage Survey, will be the guest speaker at the outreach on Tuesday.
 
"The Community Outreach is slated to be the biggest event of the year hosted by DOL," said Division of Enforcement and Compliance Director Jeff Camacho. "Each division director will discuss a topic relevant to current issues affecting CNMI employers and workers."
 
Initially scheduled for the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe, the event will now be held [at] the Hyatt Regency Saipan Ballroom in Garapan.
 
“DOL is very grateful to the Hyatt Regency Saipan for agreeing to accommodate us with this year’s community outreach on such short notice,” said CNMI Labor Secretary Vicky Benavente. “The ballroom will comfortably seat over 100 attendees and is already equipped with the technical equipment we need for our day-long presentations.”
 
Information about the outreach and job fair can be found at http://www.marianaslabor.net/ or by calling the DOL at 664-3190/3196.
 
WHO:           CNMI Department of Labor
WHAT:         Community Outreach and Job Fair
WHEN:        Community Outreach, Tuesday, May 21, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. ChST
                       Job Fair, Wednesday, May 22, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. ChST
WHERE:      Hyatt Regency Saipan Ballroom, Garapan, Saipan
COST:           Free and open to the public
 
Please note that seats are limited, and the CNMI Department of Labor is asking for attendees to contact DOL at 664-3196 or 323-9996 to make reservations for the two-day event.

CNMI DOL signs MOU with US DOL Wage and Hour Division on enforcement and outreach

On Wednesday, Governor Ralph DLG. Torres and CNMI Department of Labor signed a memorandum of understanding with the US Department of Labor (US DOL) Wage and Hour Division to maximize and improve the enforcement of federal labor laws in the CNMI.
 
Governor Torres and CNMI Secretary of Labor Vicky Benavente signed the MOU on behalf of the CNMI, while Acting Administrator of the US Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division Keith Sonderling, Regional Administrator for the Western Region Ruben Rosalez, and Honolulu District Director Terence Trotter represented the US DOL. 
 
“The enforcement of our federal labor laws requires a coordinated effort, and this MOU will empower our CNMI Department of Labor with the ability to assist our federal partners at the USDOL achieve this,” said Governor Ralph DLG. Torres. 
 
Secretary Benavente noted that the signing of the MOU with US DOL will provide the CNMI the ability to conduct joint training and outreach presentations about the laws and regulations enforced by both labor agencies.  
 
“We appreciate the visit of Acting Administrator Sonderling, Regional Administrator Rosalez, and District Director Trotter for this collective commitment to the enforcement of our labor laws.   The CNMI DOL will coordinate joint investigations to assist US DOL with enforcement activities, referrals of complaints, and exchange of information.  The end result will be the protection of all workers with regards to the payment of their wages, overtime, and other applicable statutes,” she said. 
 
Under the MOU, CNMI DOL and US DOL agree to coordinate joint outreach presentations and distribute educational material for the community. The agencies also agree to work to provide a side-by-side comparison of laws with overlapping provisions and jurisdiction. 
 
“This partnership will be mutually beneficial for the CNMI and our federal partners. We share a collective goal to protect all of our workers and their wages,” Governor Torres added.

Webinar Announcement: How to Complete and Submit a CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification to U.S. Department of Labor

As required by the Northern Mariana Islands U.S. Workforce Act of 2018, any CNMI employer intending to hire a CNMI-Only Transitional Worker (CW-1) must apply for Temporary Employment Certification with U.S. Department of Labor (the Department or DOL). The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) will host two webinars on March 28, 2019, and April 2, 2019 Chamorro Standard Time (GMT+10:00). Additional information about the webinars and how to attend can be found here.
 
The CNMI DOL highly recommends that all CNMI employers or authorized representatives attend the webinars to ask questions and understand the new requirements for obtaining a prevailing wage and temporary employment certification before submitting a CW-1 petition to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The CNMI DOL also encourages all interested participants to log into the webinar early enough in order to address any technical issues that may arise while registering for the event.

OSHA Training Coming in February

The CNMI Department of Labor will be hosting free OSHA training classes starting February 19, 2019. The classes will be led by OSHA-approved instructors who will share their experience and knowledge of typhoon cleanup operations and provide information on federal and state safety and health regulations.
 
All training will take place at the Aqua Resort Club in San Roque, unless otherwise noted. See below for list of classes and times. Click here for printable flyer.
 
February 19, 2019 | 9 AM - 11:30 AM
Electrical/Electrocution Hazards during Typhoon Clean-Up Operations
 
February 19, 2019 | 1 PM - 3:30 PM
Fall Protection during Typhoon Clean-Up Operations
 
February 26, 2019 | 9 AM - 11:30 AM
Health and Hygiene Hazards during Typhoon Clean-up Operations
 
February 27, 2019 | 9 AM - 11:30 AM
Demolition Hazards during Typhoon Clean-Up Operations
 
The final day of registration is February 13, 2019 and is open to the public. Seating is limited, and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Those involved in post-typhoon debris cleanup and removal, employed in the construction industry, or work in high-risk occupations are encouraged to attend. To register for a seat or request more information, contact the CNMI Department of Labor’s OSHA Consultation Program at 664-3154/5/6/7 or e-mail the following OSHA consultants at:

Reminder: First Quarter 2019 Total Workforce Listing & Workforce Plan due April 30, 2019

The CNMI Department of Labor wants to remind all businesses to submit their quarterly Total Workforce Listing and Workforce Plan by 4:30 p.m. on April 30, 2019. The forms must be turned in to the Department of Labor Administrative Services office located on Capital Hill. Any company having difficulty completing the two forms can call 664-3190 or 323-9996/323-9995, for assistance. The Admin Office is open between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

DUA deadline extended again for the CNMI

Once again, the CNMI Department of Labor has re-extended the application submission deadline for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for Typhoon Mangkhut and Super Typhoon Yutu. The DUA program provides payment relief and reemployment assistance to individuals who became unemployed as a direct result of a major disaster.

The new deadline to apply for DUA is February 14, 2019...See how and where to apply

DUA deadline extended for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota workers affected by Typhoon Mangkhut and Super Typhoon Yutu

Apply by January 15, 2019

The Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) deadline for workers in Saipan, Tinian, and Rota has been extended to January 15, 2019. DUA is available for individuals who have lost their jobs, had their regular work hours reduced, or were self-employed individuals but are no longer able to work as a direct result of Typhoon Mangkhut and/or Super Typhoon Yutu.

The CNMI Department of Labor (DOL) is urging all eligible individuals to apply for DUA before the January 15 deadline...Read more

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Available for Workers and Self-Employed Individuals in Saipan, Rota and Tinian Affected by Typhoon Mangkhut & Super Typhoon Yutu

The CNMI Department of Labor (DOL) is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) as a result of the Presidential Disaster Declaration (FEMA-4396-DR-MP) for workers in Saipan, Rota and Tinian.

WHAT IS DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE?

The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) (42 U.S.C. §5177) authorizes the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program.  The purpose of the program is to provide payment and reemployment assistance to individuals who are unemployed as a direct result of a major disaster. 

DUA claims are only taken after the President of the United States, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), declares specific areas of the State/CNMI as disaster areas and authorizes Individual Assistance to individuals working in the disaster areas.  DUA funding is provided by FEMA and does not come from employer payroll taxes.

Typhoon Mangkhut

On September 29, 2018, the President authorized major disaster declaration FEMA-4396-DR for CNMI due to Typhoon Mangkhut that occurred September 10-11, 2018.  This declaration authorized Individual Assistance, including DUA, for the islands of Rota, Saipan, and Tinian.  On November 16, 2018, the CNMI DOL announced the availability of DUA and the filing deadline for DUA applications of December 16, 2018. 

Super Typhoon Yutu

On October 26, 2018, the President authorized major disaster declaration FEMA-4404-DR for CNMI due to Super Typhoon Yutu that occurred October 24-26, 2018.  This declaration authorized Individual Assistance, including DUA, for the islands of Rota, Saipan, Tinian, and the Northern Islands.  On November 16, 2018, the CNMI DOL announced the availability of DUA and the filing deadline for DUA applications of December 16, 2018.    

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Last Updated 3/22/2021