Apr 23, 2008

20,000 Pinoy workers needed in Guam

Facility Maintenance, US Base Workers
By: Lee Ann P. Ducusin - Journal online

At least 20, 000 Filipino workers will be deployed to Guam next year and recruiters want the Philippine Overseas Employment Association to adopt a “no placement fee policy.” Victor Fernandez, president of the Philippine Association of Service Exporters, Inc., said he will recommend the proposal soon.
Fernandez, who is back from Guam, said there was an overwhelming decision from labor officials, labor and trade unions, placement offices and Filipino associations to adopt a “no-placement fee policy” for contract workers coming from the Philippines.
PASEI members were also briefed on hiring policies, documentary requirements and health concerns. The PASEI president said the policy will be enforced by Guam labor officials who will monitor compliance by foreign and local contractors for major construction projects in 2009.
The job opening for Filipino workers was sparked by the impending relocation of US military personnel and facilities from Okinawa to Guam.
At least 33,453 US military personnel are stationed in Japan, while 5,500 American civilians are employed there by the US government.
Fernandez said $13billion will be spent for the construction of various facilities and housing for US military personnel in the next four years. Guam is a three-hour plane ride from Manila. It is one of the five US territories with established civilian governments.