CSC warns Governor: austerity directive risks law violations without fixes
SAIPAN – As the administration and Legislature work toward a revised budget, and how any austerity measures will hit government employees, the Civil Service Commission has weighed in to warn Governor David M. Apatang that Directive 2026-008, the administration’s austerity plan, conflicts with CNMI and federal law in several areas and could trigger grievances, back pay, penalties, and due-process challenges unless corrected. In an Oct. 10 letter (OUT-2025-003) signed by CSC Chair Raymond M. Muña, the Commission says multiple sections of the directive require legal and procedural changes to comply with statutes, regulations, and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).