SAIPAN — The Saipan Chamber of Commerce is backing the proposed “Northern Mariana Islands Labor Stabilization Act,” saying the measure would provide long-term workforce stability for businesses while reinforcing protections for U.S. workers in the Commonwealth.
The Chamber said the bill would extend the CNMI labor stabilization framework through 2039, with future extensions tied to objective labor market assessments. The Chamber said the longer runway would give employers greater certainty for investment and operations, and would support economic activity across tourism, healthcare, construction, retail, and hospitality.
The Chamber said the proposal pairs workforce access with safeguards for U.S. workers through requirements that include labor certifications, prevailing wage standards, and workforce training funds intended to expand opportunities for local residents.
The Chamber also said the legislation addresses infrastructure and construction demands, including military-related and disaster recovery projects, by providing targeted workforce flexibility.
Dr. Joshua Wise, Chamber board president, said the Chamber views the proposal as a workable approach to workforce policy that supports economic resilience, protects workers, and reflects the labor realities of the Northern Mariana Islands.
The Chamber also credited Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds for engaging the business community in discussions that helped shape provisions of the proposed bill, and thanked her for advancing workforce stability efforts for the Marianas.
