The Saipan Chamber of Commerce has formally endorsed the proposed Northern Mariana Islands Labor Stabilization Act, legislation that would extend the CNMI Transitional Worker program for another 10 years.
Del. Kimberlyn King‑Hinds’ proposal seeks to amend federal law, address longstanding issues in the current transition framework, strengthen enforcement tools, provide additional compliance resources, remove the “touchback” requirement, and grant the CNMI governor authority in supporting labor determinations.
King‑Hinds has invited local stakeholders and the business community to review and provide feedback before she introduces the bill in the U.S. Congress.
In a Feb. 18 letter to King‑Hinds, Chamber President Joshua Wise said the business community “strongly supports” the measure, which would extend the CNMI’s labor stabilization framework through 2039 and allow future extensions tied to labor‑market assessments. “Long‑term certainty allows employers to plan responsibly, sustain operations, and invest in growth across key sectors,” Wise wrote.
The Chamber said the bill balances economic needs with worker protections by maintaining labor certification requirements, enforcing prevailing wage standards, and dedicating training funds to expand opportunities for local residents. The letter states that this approach “ensures that economic development and worker protection move forward together.”
Wise also highlighted provisions addressing the Commonwealth’s infrastructure and construction demands, including military‑related and disaster‑recovery projects, noting that targeted workforce flexibility is essential to meeting time‑sensitive needs.
The Chamber further emphasized the importance of stability for long‑term foreign workers and their families, saying continuity supports both economic resilience and community well‑being. The legislation, the letter states, “reflects a practical and responsible approach to workforce policy while acknowledging the unique labor realities of the Northern Mariana Islands.”
