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Marshallese work force |
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Lakibwe
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Posted: 22.03.2005, 22:46
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registered: Jul. 2002
Posts: 257
Status: offline last visit: 08.09.06
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My name is Lakibwe and I believe in exercising my Right as a Employee. Under the law of Equal work equal opportunities. Equal treatment and Equal pay Kwajalein is a Military base and there are those rules and Regulations which are mainly apply for Marshallese work force. But all these Rules and Regulation were supposed to be applied for both Marshallese and American. Yet we the Marshallese are the one being pressure to live by these rules and regulations.
What I can not understand here is that most of the work that is being done here on Kwajalein is done by Marshallese work force. In other words if we stop for one or two weeks Kwajalein will no longer look like paradise. That’s mean all kind of problem will arise from every corner of the Island. That’s mean no one will off load Air mike, even all the retail store will be close even snack bar and Pacific Dinning Room will be close, and you know all Family housing will starting have problems because no one will be there to Fix the Toilet is they happen to be blocked up. Even all the office will be filled with Trash and Kwajalein will be look like hell. Now my Question is why we are being treated this way. Since our pay is so low and our working baggage is no compare to American. And if one of us will die today we get nothing in benefit from the Company beside our annual leave Hours, what if we got only 8 hours annual leave well that’s all you’re going get out of your working baggage.
Now to all my Fellow workers I want you to understand that the reason why all these are happening today because our Government is not 100 percent behind us in everything there is too negotiated for as a Employee who are paying taxes for our Government. If there is reason to live for than there should be a reason to die for.
I believe in better future but how can all these come to reality when there is a firewall between the two race, I believe in 1960’s the law on Freedom to live and freedom to serve was amended so that the bondage of slavery will no longer be exercise by any man., but today I still can smell the Spirit of Slavery here and everywhere I go.
In closing I would like to ask this personal Question,? What part of this Compact of Free associate are we allow to participate in since the two nations has come to an agreement. Because the way I see it, it is a limited Compact of Free association.
:heartpump: Lakibwe.
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LaKevin
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Posted: 22.03.2005, 23:43
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registered: Jul. 2002
Posts: 435
Status: offline last visit: 01.09.10
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What is the difference in pay between a Ri-majol that off loads Air-Mike and an American that does the exact same job? Also a difference in benefits if you have that information as well would be great. I have heard from a few old friends on Kwaj on the American side that complained about the new contract as well I wonder how bad things are getting there.
Just want to understand that situation before I make a comment on it.
Now as far as the compact of free association I think we under estimate the value in being able to travel and work freely in the US. Millions of people every year that try to immigrate to the US would love to have that benefit.
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LaKevin
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Posted: 24.03.2005, 12:19
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registered: Jul. 2002
Posts: 435
Status: offline last visit: 01.09.10
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I would have thought there was a grievence system set in place by now.
OurSuccess is right about Ri-majols not standing up for themselves sometimes. I have visited many a family member that is afraid to even answer their own door if an american is knocking at it.
I remember my father before leaving Kwajalein wanted so badly for a dear friend of his on Ebeye to replace him as supervisor at GSK but was shot down. That person was more than qualified to do the work and still to this day I have the most respect for him and his family.
One thing you have to be wary of is a military installation anywhere in the world including back home does not operate or follow everyday rules. Anyone who has worked on a base knows that many of your day to day rights and practices end as soon as you cross the gate. I am not sure how the military will handle unionization of any sort. I am not even sure if they are the right people to go to. The US Army has little to no control over pay and benefits that their contractor pays to individuals employees. Whether it is Global, PanAm or now KRS the military bids the work out to them and that company controls their own finances. Have you tried approaching and objecting to KRS?
I do believe that if two people do the same work they should get the same pay. Race or gender or nationality should affect that.
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LaKevin
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Posted: 24.03.2005, 22:52
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registered: Jul. 2002
Posts: 435
Status: offline last visit: 01.09.10
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First of all I want to make sure that I correct a mistype I made in my earlier post. The very last sentence should read "Race or gender or nationality should NOT affect that" Wow that was a bad mistype but i am sure you got my meaning.
Weslynn and Lakibwe thank you for the feedback.
I think my point might have been lost, I am in complete agreement that Marshallese workers should get all the same benefites and equal pay for the same work that Ex-patriats get. This is something that I am sure we all agree on.
My only concern was getting my point across that this has nothing to do with America or even the compact of free association. This has everything to do with KRS and the cutbacks in pay and benefits. Grievences should be brought up to KRS and if they do not act than of course escalated up to the Base commander. I have heard from many friends American and Ri-majol alike who did not like the new contract.
I am not a big fan of Unions myself having been in a few that did nothing but take my dues, but when times call for it they come in handy. Just starting to organize a Union might scare KRS.
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pettittm
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Posted: 25.03.2005, 22:20
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registered: Jul. 2002
Posts: 1530
Status: offline last visit: 02.09.10
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Good discussion. I hope the concerns of the Marshallese employees are raised to the contract management team and to the Commander.
The SOFA is the first document you should consult. See in particular Article IV, which governs US use of contractors and rights of all who are employed by these contractors. The SOFA applies to both the RMI and the FSM - same SOFA for both. The SOFA is available at http://www.fm/...ct/sofa.html
The SOFA is very clear as to what the US and its contractors can and cannot do when it comes to hiring. Both Governments have signed the SOFA. It is very, very important. Read the SOFA!
I would suggest before forming a Union, employees first try to use the three channels already established - through your full time RMI Government liaison officer who lives on USAKA, through the Joint Community Relations Council that I believe still exists (it should, as it is REQUIRED and AGREED TO by both Governments in the Military Use and Operating Rights Agreement (MOURA), and / or through existing employee grievance channels (I am sure the contractor and the Installation have Equal Employment Opportunity representatives, as example).
I have remarked before the reasoning behind the disparity in wage levels is that new Marshallese workers (does not apply to "grandfathered employees") should be paid based on what are prevailing wages in the RMI, not the US or elsewhere. This is not unique to the RMI. Korean workers are paid prevailing wage rates in Korea for similar work, Turkish workers are paid prevailing wage rates in Turkey for similar work, etc.. In Germany, German workers are often paid more than US workers in the US doing similar jobs cause their wage base is higher.
I believe that if an American living on Ebeye is hired, he or she will be paid the same wage as a Marshallese for the same job. If this is not true, I believe the Marshallese workers should raise this as an issue. From my experience, "in country" hires are paid the prevailing wage for that country, regardless of nationality. The only exception would normally be for positions requiring a US security clearance, and thus US citizenship.
I would bet there are very few jobs that are performed by both Marshallese and US "out of country" hires. I suspect some jobs are set-aside for Marshallese and some jobs, based on skills or security clearance required, are set-aside for US-based Americans. I do think that if there is a highly skilled Marshallese available for the higher paying jobs, the Range would probably be very interested in hiring him or her. Unfortunately, often the need for a security clearance gets in the way.
To my knowledge, in NO country does the US provide health care for workers it hires in that country; the workers are covered by their national health system. There may be some payments made to workers to cover some or all of the cost for health insurance, insurance accepted by the local health care system. If there are now insurance policies sold and accepted by your hospital on Ebeye to pay for cost of health care and medicine, then seeking the addition of a benefit to help pay for such insurance is certainly worth pursuing, and it would not be "breaking new ground" for the US or the contractor to provide.
Regardless, if you believe you are being treated unfairly, there is absolutely no reason you should not seek to have these concerns addressed.
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pettittm
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Posted: 26.03.2005, 16:20
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registered: Jul. 2002
Posts: 1530
Status: offline last visit: 02.09.10
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Our Success,
I have nothing against Unions. If all other channels have been used and found to be ineffective, then forming a Union may be a good idea. Will it work better than other means? I don't know, but it might. No harm in trying.
If you do away with the "Grandfathered employee" clause, then these employees will lose their advantage and their wages and benefits will revert to what others have. Why do that?
The Bank's charter, as I understand it, restricts who can use. I don't think the Commander has any say on this at all. You would think the Bank of Guam would rush into Ebeye to open a Branch and compete with BOMI for worker accounts. If not true, why not?
I don't know why employees cannot use laundry facilities, etc. on Kwaj. For the life of me, I cannot figure out why, by now, SOMEONE has not opened a laundromat on Ebeye. Why would anyone want to lug their dirty clothes to Kwaj if a laundry existed on Ebeye? But for that to happen, people on Ebeye are going to have to look inward and begin to solve this and other problems using their resources and, if necessary, make some changes to local customs and culture that apparently restrict who can open a business. Blaming Americans for the lack access to laundries on Kwaj makes no sense to me; if there was a laundromat on Ebeye, no one would care anymore/.
As for Clubs, I say spend your money in the Clubs on Ebeye and circulate the money there - add to your economy, don't take away from it.
[Edited on 26/3/2005 by pettittm]
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Lakibwe
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Posted: 24.03.2005, 17:20
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registered: Jul. 2002
Posts: 257
Status: offline last visit: 08.09.06
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Weslynn
I respect your Comment and I understand that you are more capable to do what you are talking about . But you have to understand that a person like me who like to talk and write about all things that are not inline with what is connected to our way of living, especially when they don’t seems to be right in a way that we are not being treated as human being. I am writing because I have my reason.
May be I should share with you the reason why I chose to post what I believe it has to be said here. To be honest with you I was hoping that someone who has all the answers to these problems will step in and help, because most of us who happen to be in these situation don’t have money and are not smart enough to find the salutation to all these problems.
LaKevin,
You sound like a very smart man but only one weakness I find in your own words your scared to step in with strong Ideas about how to bring these into an argument that will turn these around and bring blessing, but instead you could only see what they can do and not what we can do about it.
OurSuccess,
I like your idea, but I am little bit uncertain about them, because, you begin with how brave you are and how well organize you are but there is no History of what you are talking about. in other words you really know how to decorate your own words in making you look good, stupid man like me almost fall into your trap
Nitijaje
If that’s what they will do……. Who will stop them from doing it…no one but at least world will know that we are stupid enough to know our human right… and are humble enough to work for them peacefully, and if they do bring in more Filipinos where will they stay …… if they stay on Kwajalein company will loose more money you know why because tthey will have to pay for their travel ticket, and their pay rate is more higher then the Marshallese and not only that but you think Company is willing to provide more housing them, there are 2,300 Marshallese working on Kwajalein are you telling me that if only you were the one running Kwajalein you will do as you please ???????
Lakibwe :cool:
[Edited on 24/3/2005 by Lakibwe]
[Edited on 24/3/2005 by Lakibwe]
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Lakibwe
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Posted: 24.03.2005, 20:35
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registered: Jul. 2002
Posts: 257
Status: offline last visit: 08.09.06
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OurSuccess,
Please accept my apology for Speaking unkindly to you. I really don’t know what got into me to Speak that way….. but after reading your response I now am starting see the reflection of your words sorry I was wrong and as a man I admit that I was partly jealous of how you appear and presented your point of view…. I thank you anyway for being polite I think that’s what make you Great and I only wish that I was created with the same knowledge you have.
Lakibwe.
[Edited on 25/3/2005 by Lakibwe]
[Edited on 25/3/2005 by Lakibwe]
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jabbere
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Posted: 25.03.2005, 12:14
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registered: Jul. 2002
Posts: 121
Status: offline last visit: 21.02.10
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Yokwe kajojo,
As I read the above posts, I can still remember my time working on U.S.A.K.A. If you read deep into the acronym, it actually read "You-Sucka's or "You Sucka" (riMajol?)
I worked on Kwaj over at the Supply Dept. Being the youngest in my dept didn't stop me from pursuing a MGR position. Because I was determined and I showed that I had the same capabilities and knowledge as everyone else, I was given the job.
I know some of these hard working riMajols who have been working for over 10 yrs and are still holding the same position. As mentioned in LaKevin's earlier posts, I also remember when the GSK MGR/Supvr left and recommended a certain fellow, but was denied. This certain individual new the operation so well, knew the inside and outside of GSK.
Weslynn & Lakibwe; I would really take into consideration OurSuccess' comments!
Like AFTERMATH and all the rest, I also work for an American company. I get the same benefits and wages as the Americans.
Weslynn & Lakibwe, I would very much like to know and hear that this is a work-in-progress. As OurSuccess said, it doesn't have to start with our Leaders, but ourselves.
Bar Yokwe Kajojo!
[Edited on 25/3/2005 by jabbere]
[Edited on 25/3/2005 by jabbere]
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DavidStrauss
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Posted: 24.03.2005, 17:58
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registered: Aug. 2002
Posts: 215
Status: offline last visit: 11.10.08
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I wonder if the workers on Kwajalein have ever thought of forming a union and engaging in collective bargaining? Is such a thing feasible?
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OurSuccess
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Posted: 23.03.2005, 04:54
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registered: Oct. 2003
Posts: 219
Status: offline last visit: 21.08.10
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Lakibwe, you have a valid argument. I do not know which provision or part of the Compact of Free Association between the RMI and the United States allows the contractors on the military base to violate human rights in regards to wages and employment benefits. Unless there is a provision that stipulates or allows this practice, there is not much you and the rest of the Marshallese workforce can do.
Speaking from experience, and unlike the rest of the Marshallese who couldn’t fight for their rights, I had to take my complaint straight to the commander of the Army. I complained to the RMI rep at HRO (P.Patrick), RMI Liaison rep (J. deBrum), but they were against me instead of trying to help me. They had their own hands tied behind their backs.
I told the commander about all the unfair practices and treatment I was getting from the civilian contractors. The commander was amazed. He did not realize that these sorts of practices were happening on his base. He took notes with the presence of his Advocate Judge or attorney and promised me he would look into it. Several months later, things changed as he promised. I noticed OJT programs for Marshallese and more promotions. I felt isolated and lonely, but I knew I had made a significant change that not many of my Marshallese friends realized it happened as a result of my courage.
You are doing the right thing by voicing your concern. Next step is to go through the chain of command. Be brave and never let anyone stand in your way for doing the right thing for yourself and your fellowmen. It’s not going to be easy and it’s not going to be pleasant. That’s why we have a proverb that says: “ mo-man kemokeran”. And another one that says, “ mej ej ao jinekjej”. Good luck.
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OurSuccess
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Posted: 24.03.2005, 05:48
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registered: Oct. 2003
Posts: 219
Status: offline last visit: 21.08.10
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Weslynn:
You made an interesting point and suggestion regarding the Marshallese workforce on Kwajalein and Roi Namur.
I strongly believe, like you also mentioned, that writing and whining will not solve anything. You are also right, when it comes to fight for your rights, most ri-Majol are buwaal (coward). When I worked at the Finance Department (back then it was Johnson Controls), every morning we always gathered to gossip and bad-mouth our supervisors. When it came time to take action, everyone backed down and I was left alone to fight what I felt was unfair to us. When the other Marshallese were questioned about the legitimacy of my complaint, none came foreword. This made me looked like a whiner and a troublemaker.
Starting a Marshallese grievance committee is an excellent idea but will be tough to organize. Although there is no current law that prevents such organization to be formed, it is obvious that this will create some concerns for not only the military but also the civilian contractors as well.
Below are some suggestions:
1. Since you have been a very strong advocate of this idea, you take the lead and find at least 10 members who are current employees on Kwaj and Roi. Perhaps you can pick 5 women and 5 men who hold supervisory positions. As a start, treat this as a small informal organization that does not require a charter from the government. You can decide later as the organization grows roots.
2. Find a place to meet on Ebeye, not Kwajalein, where the members can mastermind and create the basic requirements and bi-laws like you mention.
3. Once the group is formed and becomes strong, then you can elect a couple of representatives who will bargain and negotiate with the contractors on behave of the workforce.
4. This organization (call it union if you want) can also be utilized for other community functions such as funerals and other important community activities.
It will be more beneficial for the Marshallese workforce to have such a union who will look out for their interests without fear of retaliation.
[Edited on 24/3/2005 by OurSuccess]
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OurSuccess
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Posted: 24.03.2005, 18:51
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registered: Oct. 2003
Posts: 219
Status: offline last visit: 21.08.10
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Lakibwe:
I participated in the topic because I felt I was able to relate to it from past experience. I write what is in my mind and heart, not to deceive anybody or make me look good. If I recall correctly, I never heard you complain before about what is happening on Kwajalein in regards to the Marshallese workforce. It is Weslynn who has been writing and complain all along but I think that not all of us took heed to his words or even paid much attention. Sometimes you have to be persistent to bring your point across. I give Weslynn credit for his utmost concerns for the entire Marshallese workforce. I also give you credit for backing up Weslynn in this worthy cause.
You were right. What I did has no history because everything on Kwajalein changes. The command changes. The civilian contractors change. The only things that hardly change are the poor Marshallese who can’t fight for their own rights. Most talk and complain, but when it comes to facing the adversary, they back down in fear of retaliation of even losing their jobs. All it takes is one or two people to move mountains. I see that you and Weslynn are the only ones who are brave enough to come forward and express your concerns.
Too bad the unfair and illegal employment practices on Kwajalein are not subject to lawsuits like what happens in the real world. I would strongly suggest you pursue legal advice from the local attorneys like Strauss and others.
These unfair employment practices even occurred here in the United States. I know of several Marshallese who had been mistreated at their work places. Unfortunately, they either quit or keep on working because either they are coward or just don’t know their constitutional rights.
I successfully sued two companies here in the US mainland without the assistance of a labor lawyer. All I needed to know was to realize that my constitutional rights were violated. I filed my charges through the Federal Equal Employment Commissions. Again, these are facts, not decoration of my words to make me look good.
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OurSuccess
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Posted: 25.03.2005, 06:36
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registered: Oct. 2003
Posts: 219
Status: offline last visit: 21.08.10
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Weslynn & Lakibwe:
Following is a reflection of my view and it does not represent the view of others. You do not have to agree or use my tactic. However, you may use some of the suggestions.
1. You two get together and start a small meeting on Ebeye. If you want, you can invite few others who are willing and interested in joining you. When two or more people coordinate in a spirit of harmony and work toward a definite objective or purpose, they place themselves in position, through the alliance, to absorb power directly from the great storehouse of the creative mechanism of each contributing mind.
Have you heard about the CHICAGO 6? During the early 1900's 6 men in Chicago formed a MasterMind Group. These men put Chicago on the map. When these 6 started their MasterMind, who later became known as the CHICAGO 6, none of them had any money. They met every Saturday at a local restaurant over dinner, and after a very few years each one was worth several millions of dollars (at a time when that was a lot of money!). Do you know who was in that group? One was Charles Wrigley, who created the Wrigley's Chewing Gum Empire. Another was William Hertz, who built the Yellow Cab Company. Their businesses were started and succeeded with the great help of their MasterMind Alliance. The CHICAGO 6 started out their MasterMind by each one discussing his objectives for his business with the group because all of them were starting out different businesses. This is a good way to start your MasterMind as well. The MasterMind can be directed toward any objective, with one single purpose or each member having a different motive.
2. Forget contacting the government leaders or even your own Kwajalein elected leaders. These guys were told repeatedly about the arising problems but they neglected the promises they made during their campaign speeches. You don’t need a stumbling block once you get the ball rolling.
3. Keep your meeting if possible at low profile for now. The last thing you want to do is to scare or cause a panic amongst the KRS and the Army personnel. Be sure to emphasize that the theme or motive of the organization is to look out for the affairs of the Marshallese workforce and their families. As it grows and matures, you can get it chartered and registered. You might consider retaining a local attorney to handle legal matters should they arise.
4. Have every interested individual sign up (free) to join the organization or union if you wants to call it. Those who are too scared of losing their jobs and do not want to participate, just leave them alone. If something happens to them and they have nowhere else to turn for help, guest where they will go? So make sure every member is registered. Registered members tend to show support for the group. On the contrary, unregistered individuals will criticize and create problems in order to destroy the newly formed organization.
5. As our old proverbs say: “ Bwe an bilinlin koba maronron, ejaak juon ailin.” “ Kajur wot wor ”. “ Je dikdik jeran mej, je dikdik jeran jet “ I hope I said these right.
Again, this will not be easy, but it is possible. I strongly advice that you keep all your meetings and conversations on Ebeye, and again, in a low profile. Once you get the ball rolling, and then you start elect leaders and assign them stewardships to handle challanging tasks. Use this organization for other community functions as well. If you do it right, everyone will be blessed with an organization that speaks stronger and louder volume for the betterment of all. Remember that it is not the finishing line that counts, rather it is the journey. Keep the momentum and fire burning.
I can’t think of any better way to deal with the ongoing problems that the Marshallese workforce has to face and deal with on a daily basis. Although at once time there was a Marshallese rep at HRO, he was not effective enough to handle all the problems. As usual, his arms were tied behind his back.
Only time will tell when such an individual or individuals will arise from within the workforce. These individuals are finally fed up with all the ongoing nonsense. Unfortunately, for the mass that couldn't fight for their rights, they will speak ill comments because they are jealous. Sooner or later, they will either make a change, or stay the way they are. The choice is theirs... Good luck!
[Edited on 25/3/2005 by OurSuccess]
[Edited on 25/3/2005 by OurSuccess]
[Edited on 25/3/2005 by OurSuccess]
[Edited on 25/3/2005 by OurSuccess]
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OurSuccess
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Posted: 26.03.2005, 12:01
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registered: Oct. 2003
Posts: 219
Status: offline last visit: 21.08.10
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pettittm:
I enjoy reading your comments based on how you observe and evaluate the situation from different angles or prospective. I do appreciate your netural stand. However, I would like to add few other areas of concern that I feel need to be addressed.
1. You were absolutely correct about seeking help and guidance from the three existing channels: RMI Gov. Liaison Rep, the JCRC and the existing employee grievance channels. Unfortunately, none of these three channels has proven effective in solving the ongoing problems constantly based by the Marshallese workforce. Otherwise, what are we discussing now? As I recall, the RMI government appointed a special panel in the past headed by Sen. Balos to evaluate and investigate the ongoing mistreatment of the Marhallese workforce. If the outcome of the investigation ever solved anything, why are we still discussing this same subject?
2. You mentioned, and as we read in Article IV, that the paying of local hires should base on the prevailing wages of the country, in this case, the RMI. My question is, how can the US contractors use the same pay scale when the positions and skills required to perform the jobs are totally different from each other? The professional and technical skills performed on Kwajalein are far different from the ones in Ebeye and Majuro. Why use the same prevailing wages or pay scale?
Other relevent issues:
1. The grand fathered clause, in my view, is nonsense and should be eliminated. It is sad and has created tremendous problems for the local workforce. A non-grand fathered worker is performing the same job that is being performed by a grand fathered worker, and yet, we know who gets more benefit as far as wages and other add-ons. Who can eliminate this clause, the three channels mentioned above, or the workers union? If you and others are not in favor of workers union, why are there hundreds and hundreds of unions all across America today? There are medical unions, labor unions, airline unions, pipe fitters union, carpenters union, teamsters union, truckers union, hotel and restaurant union, welders union, electrician union, mechanical union, plumbers union, I could go on and on. Why did these workers who are finally fed up with the unfair system decided to form these unions instead of seeking help from their government? I think the answer is clear.
2. If this rumor still holds true, I heard that the new banking facility would only provide services to the American population. What happened to their friends who work with them and live only 15-min. boat ride away? Are they carrying contaminated money? Are they a “threat” to the banking facility? Don’t give me the nonsense “ we don’t want to compete with the Ebeye bank”. I don’t buy this bologna. If they are now able to shop at Ten Ten and Surfway, why not use the bank? This goes for the clubs and the laundry facility as well.
3. It is no wonder these poor Marshallese take their frustrations on their families and turn to alcoholism on a daily basis. To add more salt to their wounds, they have to first be intimated and humiliated by the security officers at the entry and exit points.
If there are legitimate clubs for women and other social groups, why can’t the workers on Kwajalein form their own group or alliance? What is the difference between the “Yokwe Yuk Women's Club“, the ”Jinen Tibtib Club“, the “UUT Ebwel” and the newly suggested “Kwajalein workers union“? They all seem the same. I know the commander and the KRS personnel will do everything humanly possible to disrupt the formation of such alliance. Why? Because everyone knows how powerful unions can be. Even one of our local prominent attorneys, Strauss, questioned the feasibility of forming such a union for negotiating and for collective bargaining.
[Edited on 26/3/2005 by OurSuccess]
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