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:
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:
- Regulatory timeframes for filing applications with a start date of need of April 1, 2020, or later;
- Procedures OFLC uses to randomly select H-2B applications for review and processing; and
- Actions the [U.S. Labor] Department is taking to prepare the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) System to support the submission of applications beginning January 2, 2020.
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.
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.
Last Updated 8/13/2020
