January 9, 2024

GDOL Preparing for Enforcement of Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

The Guam Department of Labor (GDOL) would like to remind employers that Public Law 36-118, also known as the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), was signed into law on November 9, 2022 and became effective one year later on November 9, 2023. GDOL is preparing for enforcement of the law once the PWFA completes the Administrative Adjudication Act rule-making process.

The PWFA requires employers to make reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy and childbirth for an employee, unless an employer can demonstrate that accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the business.

Under the PWFA, employers are not allowed to force affected employees to accept accommodations other than those that are reasonable; deny employment opportunities related to the pregnancy or childbirth of a qualified employee; require an employee to take leave, whether paid or unpaid, if another reasonable accommodation can be provided, relative to the pregnancy or childbirth of an employee; or take adverse action against an employee requesting or using reasonable accommodation related to their pregnancy or childbirth.

Proposed fines for violations of the PWFA include $1,000 for the first offense, and no less than $1,000 but no more than $2,000 for subsequent offenses.

While the law became effective in November 2023, the administrative rules are still being finalized.

GDOL encourages employers to work with their Human Resources Practitioners to prepare for enforcement of the PWFA. The proposed rules for the PWFA can be viewed on dol.guam.gov.

For more information or additional guidance, you may also contact the Fair Employment Practice Division at GDOL at 671-300-4544.

December 8, 2023

More than $800,000 in Disaster Unemployment Assistance Benefits Approved

The Guam Department of Labor (GDOL) has announced that the next batch of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits in the amount of $809,503 has been approved and is now being processed. This next batch of DUA benefits should be mailed out by next week.

“We are continuing with the adjudication of pending claims and we are making good progress, however, we can’t stress enough that what will move the processing of these claims forward faster is the response time from claimants. We are reaching the point of moving toward disqualifying unresponsive and undocumented claims,” said GDOL Acting Director Gerard Toves.

Please note, although DUA batches are processed through the Department of Administration (DOA), the agency has no access to individual DUA claims or check information. Claimants are urged not to contact DOA or the Treasurer of Guam regarding their DUA claim as these calls will not be entertained.

CHECK ON THE STATUS OF YOUR CLAIM
To check on the status of your DUA claim, log on to your HIREGUAM account and click on the “Claim Summary” section under “Unemployment Services.” A step-by-step guide on how to check on the status of your claim can be viewed on GDOL’s YouTube page or by visiting https://youtu.be/LU99_GTmDqs

 HOW TO UPLOAD DOCUMENTS

Claimants are reminded to submit all pending documents online through their HIREGUAM account or by dropping them off at the DUA Office, located at the GCIC Building, 414 W Soledad Ave, 7th Floor, in Hagåtña. Claimants have 21 days to submit all pending documents from the date of their initial claim or their claim may be denied.

Upload your documents on hireguam.com by clicking on the “Provide Additional Documentation” button under the “Unemployment Services” section. A step-by-step guide on how to upload your documents can be viewed on GDOL’s YouTube page or by visiting https://youtu.be/gor8di0LqCk.

For more information, contact the DUA Hotline at 671-479-5610/12, 671-479-5606/5618 or dua.hotline@nulldol.guam.gov.

November 21, 2023

 $1 Million in DUA Payments Batched; Claimants Urged to Respond to Inquiries

The Guam Department of Labor (GDOL) mailed out a second batch of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits in the amount of $765,731 on Monday, while a third batch of DUA benefits in the amount of $294,966 has been sent to the Department of Administration for processing this week. Payments for the third batch could be expected by next week.

As GDOL continues to adjudicate DUA claims, claimants are reminded to submit all necessary documentation and to respond to all follow-up inquiries from GDOL to prevent delays in processing claims.

“We continue to run into several issues, many of which can be resolved with proper documentation or weekly filing of claims. We are urging claimants to please respond to our follow up calls, emails, and messages. If we can’t get in contact with you or verify your claim within an allotted time frame, DUA regulations will require us to deny your claim,” said GDOL Director David Dell’Isola.

Adjudicators may contact claimants to seek additional or very information, such as earnings or self-employment. Claimants may also be asked to fill out additional documents such as the Able and Available Form or Show Good Cause Form. It is important that these documents are completed and submitted to GDOL.

 CHECK ON THE STATUS OF YOUR CLAIM

To check on the status of your DUA claim, log on to your HIREGUAM account and click on the “Claim Summary” section under “Unemployment Services.” A step-by-step guide on how to check on the status of your claim can be viewed on GDOL’s YouTube page or by visiting https://youtu.be/LU99_GTmDqs.

ADDITIONAL HOTLINE NUMBERS

For inquiries about your DUA claim, contact the DUA Hotline at 671-479-5610/12. GDOL has added two additional hotline numbers for claimants to contact for inquiries: 671-479-5606 or 671-479-5618. You can also send an email to dua.hotline@nulldol.guam.gov.

November 16, 2023

Guam Nearly Doubles Apprenticeship Numbers
National Apprenticeship Week Celebrated

The number of apprentices enrolled in the Guam Registered Apprenticeship Program has grown exponentially in the last six fiscal years, from 229 in Fiscal Year 2018 to 433 registered apprentices in Fiscal Year 2023.

The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration, in partnership with the Guam Department of Labor, is proud to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week from November 13 to November 17, 2023. This year’s theme is Registered Apprenticeship, Superhighway to Good Jobs.

“When we stepped into office, we made a commitment to developing a skilled workforce. I’m proud to say that nearly five years later, through the resilience of our community and the collaborative efforts between industries and educational institutions, we have been able to not just overcome obstacles but expand these programs into other industries to meet future demands of our island,” said Acting Governor Joshua Tenorio.

National Apprenticeship Week celebrates the work of registered apprentices, employers, schools, and apprenticeship program sponsors who provide and promote career development across a growing variety of trades and industries. As part of a registered apprenticeship program, participants are provided on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

There are close to 600 active apprentices on Guam who earn income while learning skills from more than 50 occupations.

For more information, contact the American Job Center at 671-475-7000/1 or visit dol.guam.gov.

GDOL Will Remain Open on Holiday Weekend to Accept In-School Youth Applications
High School Students Encouraged to Apply for Winter Session

The Guam Department of Labor (GDOL) is still accepting applications for the SY2023-24 Year-Round In-School Youth Program, which provides high school students with work readiness, occupational skills training, and summer employment within each school year.

GDOL will remain open on Friday, November 10 and Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to accept in-person applications from students and their parents or guardians. A parent or guardian must be present with a minor student when applying for the In-School Youth Program.

Applicants are reminded to bring all required documents with them when applying. These include:

• • Complete Hire Guam Profile (hireguam.com)
  • Government-issued Photo ID (school ID, Drivers License, Guam ID, Passport, militaryID or birth certificate)
  • Social Security Card
  • Mayor’s Verification
  • High School Transcript, ACT Aspire Test Results, Progress Report, OR Report Card
  • Household Income (2022 Filed Tax Statement, VOE with Salary Information, 2 Months Check Stubs, or Self-Employment Filed Tax Document)
  • Other Income Sources (Child Support, Disability Social Security Income, Retirement/Pension)

The In-School Youth Program Winter Session will include work readiness workshops that will prepare students for real-world employment skills such as resume writing, interview preparation, work ethics, communication skills, respecting peers and more. Eligible students must be enrolled in the 11th or 12th grade, between the ages of 14 to 21, and meet other criteria.

The In-School Youth Winter Session is a paid occupational skills workshop and will be held from December 18 to 29, 2023. The deadline to apply is November 15, 2023.

Students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Interested students may also speak to their school counselors to learn more about the program. Students can also fill out an application online at the following link: http://bit.ly/inschoolyouth.

For more information, contact the American Job Center at 671-475-7000/1, or visit the AJC at the GCIC Building, 414 W Soledad Ave, 3rd Floor, in Hagåtña.

November 6, 2023

2022 Economic Census of Island Areas Nonresponse Follow-up Now in Final Phase

The U.S. Census Bureau has moved into the final phase of the nonresponse follow-up of the 2022 Economic Census of Island Areas. The cutoff date for receipt of mail submissions is November 17, 2023. As a reminder to all employers, response is required by law.

Employers in Guam that have not yet submitted their 2022 Economic Census have been sent a Certified Mail follow-up letter with instructions from the U.S. Census Bureau on how to respond electronically and how to get assistance.

“We thank the employers on Guam who have already completed their submission. We understand that some employers have been delayed in their completion due to Typhoon Mawar and Bolaven which impacted Guam during the Economic Census collection period,” said Guam Department of Labor Director David Dell’Isola.

In addition to the final Certified Mail request, Bureau of Labor Statistics staff will be contacting employers who have not yet responded by phone to assist with their Economic Census completion.”

The economic census report contains aggregate and industry level tables on number of establishments, sales, payroll, number of employees, size of firm, capital expenditures, and election district, as well as statistics on legal form of organization, and citizenship and gender of the owners. It also includes sales by type of business and class of customer.

Examples of data users include:

Small and large businesses use census statistics to develop business plans, identify business opportunities, define markets, assess competition, attract investment, manage sales, and evaluate efficiency.

Business organizations, industry professionals, economic analysts, and business reporters use census statistics to assess industry growth and change, prepare economic forecasts, define legislative priorities, and produce educational materials.

Federal and local agencies use census statistics to design economic development and regulatory programs, evaluate program effects, conduct trade negotiations, and prepare revenue and spending plans. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) uses the statistics to develop estimates of gross domestic product (GDP).

Final census results for Guam are expected to be released in June 2024. By completing the Economic Census, companies contribute to a wealth of valuable data that can help grow their business.

Results of the 2017 Guam Economic Census are online at http://bls.guam.gov/guam-economic-census/.

For more information, visit census.gov/econ or call the Guam Department of Labor at 671-475-7059.