EEOC Releases New “Know Your Rights” Poster

For Immediate Release – October 26, 2022

Hagåtña, Guam – The Guam Department of Labor would like to announce that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has updated the “Know Your Rights” poster, which has not been updated since 2009. The poster can be found online at https://dol.guam.gov/compliance/fepd.

The new poster updates and replaces the previous “EEO is the Law” poster. Covered employers are required by federal law to prominently display the poster at their work sites. A number of laws the EEOC enforces require employers to post a notice describing the Federal laws prohibiting job discrimination. The poster summarizes these laws and explains that employees or applicants can file a charge if they believe they have experienced discrimination. The poster shares information about discrimination based on:

  • Race, color, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, religion;
  • Age (40 and older);
  • Equal Pay;
  • Disability;
  • Genetic Information (including family medical history or genetic tests or services); and includes
  • Retaliation for filing a charge, reasonably opposing discrimination, or participation in a discrimination lawsuit, investigation, or proceeding.

The changes to the “Know Your Rights” poster include:

  • Uses straightforward language and formatting;
  • Notes that harassment is a prohibited form of discrimination;
  • Clarifies that sex discrimination includes discrimination based on pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity;
  • Adds a QR code for fast digital access to the how to file a charge webpage (https://www.eeoc.gov/how-file-charge-employment-discrimination); and
  • Provides information about equal pay discrimination for federal contractors.

The posters should be placed in a conspicuous location in the workplace where notices to applicants and employees are customarily posted. In addition to physically posting, covered employers are encouraged to post a notice digitally on their websites in a conspicuous location.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that notices of Federal laws prohibiting job discrimination be made available in a location that is accessible to applicants and employees with disabilities that limit mobility.

The poster can also be found on the EEOC website at https://www.eeoc.gov/poster.

For more information, contact the Fair Employment Practice Division of the Guam Department of Labor at 671-300-4544 or visit our website at https://dol.guam.gov/compliance/fepd/.

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Companies Encouraged to Utilize the American Job Center to Host Job Fairs

For Immediate Release – October 17, 2022

Hagåtña, Guam – As part of the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio’s Administration’s ongoing efforts to bolster employment-related programs to the community, the Guam Department of Labor (GDOL) is expanding its services to local employers through the availability of the American Job Center (AJC) and its staff for training opportunities and industry-specific job fairs.

GDOL held a successful job fair in partnership with Citadel Pacific, IP&E, and IT&E on Friday, October 7 at the AJC Training Room. GDOL provided the local company with the space, internet access, staff, and other resources. During the job fair, close to 40 job seekers attended with 22 being offered positions.

“We would like to put a call out to other businesses to utilize our resources at the AJC, which includes training, video conferencing, and hosting job fairs. GDOL also has dedicated staff with experience in planning and executing a successful job fair, which can also be held at the company’s place of business. If your organization is planning to hire, we can assist,” said David Dell’Isola, GDOL Director. “We are here to help.”

“GDOL has always been a great partner in our efforts to fill positions in our company. We are grateful to the staff at GDOL, who assisted us in planning and executing this job fair. We look forward to the continued partnership with GDOL in obtaining quality hires for all our OpCos.,” said Citadel Pacific Recruitment Specialist Camarin Cabral, SHRM-CP.

For more information on resources available through the AJC or to schedule a company- or industry-specific job fair, please call 671-475-7000/1 or visit the AJC on the 3rd Floor of the GCIC Building, 414 West Soledad Ave, Hagåtña.

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Job Corps Student from Guam Meets Labor Secretary and Deputy Secretary

For Immediate Release – December 30, 2022

Hagåtña, Guam – A student from Guam who is enrolled in the Hawaii Job Corps program in Maui is making an impression as an outstanding apprentice. Erulei Ngiralmuut was given an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. earlier this month to serve as a student representative at the Job Corps Leadership Summit. While in the nation’s capital, Ngiralmuut had the opportunity to meet with Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, Deputy Secretary of Labor Julie Su, U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Director of Job Corps Rachel Torres, and congressional representatives.

Ngiralmuut is following in the footsteps of fellow Guam native Anastasia Gschwend, who graduated from the Maui Campus and was accepted into the advanced culinary program at Treasure Island Job Corps in San Francisco. Gschwend’s dream is to open a food truck business when she returns to Guam.

Ngiralmuut graduated from the Maui Campus in May 2022 in basic culinary arts. She then completed a work-based learning internship at the Haliimaile General Store, one of Maui’s premiere restaurants operated by renowned chef Beverly Gannon. Like Gschwend, Ngiralmuut hopes to further her culinary arts education by attending Job Corps’ advanced culinary training program in San Francisco.

“I am so proud of Erulei for being an exceptional student and for representing Guam well. This is a well-deserved recognition for her hard work to advance her career and follow her dreams,” said Guam Department of Labor Director David Dell’Isola. “I also want to congratulate all the students from Guam who have taken steps to secure their futures with the Job Corps Program. Job Corps is an excellent program that provides students with free education and training in a career path of their choice. We have seen countless success stories from Guam and I continue to encourage students to explore the opportunities available to them through Job Corps.”

Job Corps Students from Guam

Dell’Isola met with two new student enrollees on December 28 to send them off to the Maui Campus. Nicolas Powell and Davely Chewek leave next week to Maui to begin their training courses. Powell will study business while Chewek plans to study culinary arts.

In November, Dell’Isola met with Gibson Ngiralmuut who is now studying construction at the Waimanalo Campus.

Job Corps

Job Corps is a tuition-free career training program that prepares eligible young people ages 16 through 24 for meaningful careers in various industries while attending classes off island with all expenses covered. Guam applicants must be 18 years old by the time they are accepted into the program. Room and board, basic medical care, transportation, meals, and stipends are all provided at no cost to the student. The program also helps students complete their high school education and provides transitional support services. Students are sent home during winter break for two weeks to be with their families with airfare covered.

In addition to the courses available at the Hawaii Job Corps centers, students may take advanced training courses in other Job Corps Centers nationwide if they show an aptitude in other fields of interest. Job Corps has over 40 different industry advanced training programs that range from Licensed Practical Nursing in Iowa or New York, to Security and Protective Services in Kentucky, Transportation and Communications in Los Angeles, Automotive Training in Utah, to Culinary Arts in San Francisco, and other training courses across the country.

For more information about the Job Corps Programs, or how to enroll, visit the American Job Center on the 3rd floor of GCIC Building, 414 W Soledad Ave in Hagåtña, call 671-475-7000/1, send an email to ajc.training@nulldol.guam.gov, or visit https://dol.guam.gov/employment-and-training/job-corps/.

OSHA Region IX Visit

Guam Department of Labor gets Positive Review from OSHA Region IX

For Immediate Release – August 5, 2022

Hagåtña, Guam – The Guam Department of Labor’s (GDOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) On-Site Consultation Program received high marks from Region IX OSHA Safety and Health Compliance Officer Eric Christensen during a two-day visit to Guam to conduct a biennial review of the local consultation office’s operations and practices.

Christensen examined the OSHA On-site Consultation Services case files and records and found them to be impeccable, well written, and organized, even noting that Guam is “the best in the region.” Christensen added that the OSHA On-site Consultation Team goes above and beyond to get the job done.

“We are truly humbled by Mr. Christensen’s performance review. It speaks volumes about the hard work and dedication our team has put into ensuring safety and health standards are always met in the workplace. Our OSHA consultation team is meticulous, knowledgeable, and competent, and their exemplary work deserves this type of recognition,” said GDOL Director David Dell’Isola. “I also want to recognize Governor Lou Leon Guerrero for her support and guidance. When I came back into office, the OSHA On-Site Consultation Services was in high-risk status. The Governor assisted us with our staffing needs, which allowed us to commit more resources and training to this program, and within a year we were removed from high-risk status, giving us better access to federal funding and grants.”

Christensen praised the OSHA On-site Consultation team and thanked them for identifying numerous potential worksite hazards, saying he has no doubt the Guam Team is “making a difference.” He expressed his full confidence in the team’s ability to continue to maintain the high standards they have set for the next OSHA Region IX Program Review.

To learn more about the OSHA On-site Consultation Services and the programs they offer, or for inquiries, please call 671-300-4620/18/17 or email osha.consultation@nulldol.guam.gov.

 

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PUA Cover Photo

Deadline to Submit Application for PUA Waiver is Today

For Immediate Release – August 1, 2022

Hagåtña, Guam – The deadline to submit an Application of Waiver of Overpayment from the department to consider waiving the collection that may be owed by recipients of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is today, August 1, 2022. Individuals are encouraged to submit their applications in person at the Guam Department of Labor office at the GCIC Building, 404 West Soledad Ave, 8th Floor, Hagåtña.

PUA recipients should have received notification letters informing them of their total overpayment amount, how much is due, and how to make payments. The second part of the letter informs the individual that they may submit an Application of Waiver of Overpayment from the department. The notification letters listing the outstanding balance are necessary for individuals to be able to submit an Application of Waiver of Overpayment.

Applications of Waivers of Overpayment will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Application forms are available online at dol.guam.gov and at the GDOL office at the GCIC Building in Hagåtña, 8th Floor, 404 West Soledad Ave. Application forms may also be submitted via email to pua.waivers@nulldol.guam.gov.

 

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PUA Cover Photo

Guam Department of Labor Approves Over $850K in PUA Waiver Requests

For Immediate Release – July 25, 2022

Hagåtña, Guam – In the month of July, the Guam Department of Labor (GDOL) approved over $850,000 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) waiver requests.

GDOL processed about $500,000 in PUA waivers two weeks ago, which were approved for individuals whose cases were adjudicated and Applications of Waiver of Overpayment were approved. Today, GDOL Director David Dell’Isola approved another $355,000 in PUA waiver requests.

GDOL would like to note that the recent malware attack on the PUA system and the hireguam.com website, which is maintained by a national vendor, has caused some minor disruption in processing of waiver requests.

“We continue to review waivers daily and have helped over a thousand people. Many of them will no longer have to worry about paying back the benefits they received from the government,” said Director Dell’Isola. “This means more money for gas, groceries, rent, medical bills, and other necessities.”

As a reminder, the new deadline to submit an Application of Waiver of Overpayment from the department to consider waiving the collection that may be owed by recipients of PUA is August 1, 2022. Applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Application forms are available online at dol.guam.gov and at the Department of Labor office at the GCIC Building in Hagåtña, 8th Floor, 404 West Soledad Ave. Application forms may also be submitted via email to pua.waivers@nulldol.guam.gov.

 

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PUA Cover Photo

Guam Department of Labor Extends Deadline to Apply for PUA Waiver of Overpayment

For Immediate Release – July 18, 2022

Hagåtña, Guam – The Guam Department of Labor (GDOL) has extended the deadline to submit an Application of Waiver of Overpayment from the department to consider waiving the collection that may be owed by recipients of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). The new deadline is now August 1, 2022.

PUA recipients should have received notification letters informing them of their total overpayment amount, how much is due, and how to make payments. The second part of the letter informs the individual that they may submit an Application of Waiver of Overpayment from the department. The notification letters listing the outstanding balance are necessary for individuals to be able to submit an Application of Waiver of Overpayment.

“Governor Lou Leon Guerrero has given us the green light to extend the deadline by a couple more weeks which gives us a chance to not only catch up but also give more people an opportunity to apply for waivers,” said Director David Dell’Isola. “Our staff have been very helpful so I encourage those with a letter to visit our office for guidance, which will improve their chances of approval.”

Applications of Waivers of Overpayment will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Application forms are available online at dol.guam.gov and at the Department of Labor office at the GCIC Building in Hagåtña, 8th Floor, 404 West Soledad Ave. Application forms may also be submitted via email to pua.waivers@nulldol.guam.gov.

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Guam Department of Labor and Mañe’lu Formalize Partnership for Workforce Development

For Immediate Release – July 15, 2022

Hagåtña, Guam – The Guam Department of Labor (GDOL) formalized its partnership with Mane’lu by providing training to Mañe’lu’s staff on GDOL’s Workforce Development Overview, which include the Wage and Hour, Fair Employment Practices, and Workers Compensation Commission Divisions.

This partnership began two years ago when Mañe’lu offered services to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) clients who needed help with interpretation, translation, submitting paperwork, and other types of assistance. GDOL and Mane’lu continue to bridge the gap in employment related services through the Micronesian Resource Center One Stop Shop (MRCOSS).

“I want to commend the work of Mañe’lu, MRCOSS, and their entire team who have been instrumental in ensuring PUA recipients always understood the process, completed their forms, got their questions answered, and knew how to get assistance. I am truly grateful for their partnership,” said Acting GDOL Director Jerry Toves. “With more training about our different divisions, Mañe’lu now has more knowledge about Labor laws and can better assist our mutual clients. We look forward to this continued partnership as we provide services in workforce development.”

“We are honored to be partnering with GDOL to improve access to both organizations’ programs that will assist individuals gain training and employment. Mañe’lu and MRCOSS have become an essential resource and space to help our brothers and sisters from the outer islands become settled here in Guam through workshops and case management that is provided in the four primary languages of the Federated States of Micronesia. The formal partnership means a more direct connection in assisting those looking for employment and providing support to clients who come into GDOL needing language specific assistance. Acting Director Jerry Toves and I have been talking about formalizing our existing partnership for two years now, and to finally see everything come to fruition has been exciting,” said Mañe’lu Executive Director Samantha Taitano.

At the conclusion of the training, participants were presented with certificates of completion, recognizing that the Workforce Development Overview and Training allows Mañe’lu staff to effectively serve the community with a better understanding of employment assistance.

For more information, please contact the American Job Center at 671-475-7000/1 or via email at ajc.training@nulldol.guam.gov.

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Department of Labor Waives $5 Million in PUA Overpayment

For Immediate Release – July 8, 2022

Hågatña, Guam– The Guam Department of Labor has sent out notification letters to individuals who received Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), and/or Lost Wages Assistance (LWA), to inform them that they may request for a Waiver of Overpayment that may be owed to the department.

The letter informs PUA, FPUC, or LWA recipients of their total overpayment amount, how much is due, and how to make payments. If the individual would like to request for a Waiver of Overpayment, they may submit an Application of Waiver of Overpayment from the department to consider waiving the collection of overpayment amount. The notification letters listing the outstanding balance are necessary for individuals to be able to submit an Application of Waiver of Overpayment.

“We are waiving about $5 million in overpayments to those who were without work during the pandemic. For many of them, this means they won’t have to pay back hundreds or thousands of dollars to the department and they get to keep the extra cash for necessities,” said Director David Dell’Isola. “With the exception of cases of fraud or misrepresentation, most of those who apply may get approved. I encourage everyone who gets a letter to come into our office for guidance on their application. This will improve their chances of approval.”

Applications of Waivers of Overpayment will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Application forms are available online at dol.guam.gov and at the Department of Labor office at the GCIC Building in Hågatña, 404 West Soledad Ave, 8th Floor. Application forms may also be submitted via email to pua.waivers@nulldol.guam.gov. The deadline to apply is July 18.

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For more information, contact the Department of Labor Waivers Unit via email at pua.overpayment@nulldol.guam.gov or call 671-300-4613/4249, 671-488-1392/2925.

Guam Department of Labor Reminds Employers to Comply with Work Authorization Laws

ALPCD LOGO

For Immediate Release – July 13, 2022

Guam Department of Labor Reminds Employers to Comply with Work Authorization Laws

Hagåtña, Guam – The Guam Department of Labor (GDOL) is stepping up efforts to identify potential violations of labor laws, particularly in areas of employment authorization. Employers are reminded that they are required to only hire individuals who may legally work in the U.S., which include U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents, and aliens authorized to work.

To comply with the law, employers must verify the identity and employment authorization of each person they hire; complete and retain a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification for each employee; and refrain from discriminating against individuals on the basis of national origin or citizenship.

Additionally, GDOL is aware of and investigating recent events involving foreign nationals entering Guam’s borders from the CNMI by boat. While the work statuses of these individuals are being verified, employers and contractors are again reminded that they are responsible for ensuring all employees they hire are authorized to work in the U.S. and Guam.

In addition to federal penalties employers may face for violating federal work authorization laws, Guam law allows for licensing sanctions of businesses if it is determined during a worksite inspection that an employee does not possess a lawful work status. A first offense is subject to a license sanction fee of $1,000 per worker without lawful status and a possible 30-day suspension of the employer’s business license. A second offense is subject to a license sanction fee of $2,000 per worker without lawful status and a possible 60-day suspension of the employer’s business license. A third offense is subject to automatic revocation of the employer’s business license.

GDOL’s Alien Labor Processing and Certification Division (ALPCD) will be visiting job sites and conducting inspections to ensure compliance with local and federal laws and regulations. To report any potential violations of work authorization or alien labor laws, or suspicious activities, contact ALPCD at 671-475-8003 or via email at alpcd@nulldol.guam.gov.

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