Projected if H-2s work on buildup projects

Big losses projected if H-2s work on buildup projects

by Mindy Aguon - kuam.com

Guam - Vice-Speaker B.J. Cruz says Guam's economy stands to lose hundreds of millions of dollars if H-2 workers are allowed to be utilized for military buildup-related construction projects. Cruz has asked Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo to reconsider her position on allowing H-2 workers for buildup construction activities.

He told KUAM News, "I'm just asking that she reconsider the Abercrombie amendment, which is suggesting a 30% maximum of H-2 laborers, and if we reduce it to that amount then we'll have more money floating in the economy." He added, "If you're going to force it down our throat, then I want every penny that's absolutely possible to accrue to the local people."

Estimates in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement project that H-2 workers will spend about 20% of their money in the local economy, compared to 45% to be spent by workers hired locally. Cruz says if the H-2 workers spent at the same level as locally-hired workers, Guam's economy would benefit by approximately $368.5 million.

Comments Echo 5 Items Guest I agree regarding H-2 vs. Locals. I couldn't imagine a local out there working with concrete blocks. Not just because of the heat, but if they make too much they might loose their food stamps and Sec. 8 housing. Better to play it safe and not work a "temporary" job and keep the food stamps and Sec. 8 housing. jaos What is wrong with BJ Cruz? First, he wants the entire $5 billion from the military build up taxed here in Guam. Now he wants 70-30 percent labor share of local/H2 workers for the buildup. Does he think he can gather 14,000 (70% of 20,000) local workers doing hard work in the sun? So easy for him to say, he doesn't have the slightest idea on this matter. Probably he still haven't recovered from that loss on his same-sex bill thingie. LOL HaChagueFan Can the kind Senator B.J. Cruz provide the number or percentage of "Chamorru" construction workers we have on Guam? This includes those who work in digging ditches, tie re-bar, masons, carpenters, plumbers, steel frame workers, pipe benders, metal formers, sheet metal workers and the like. Realistically, Guam does not have the skill labor for a great portion of these noted professions. Thus, the requirement for H-2 workers. Historically, locals only look for the comfy government jobs. They don't like digging ditches or getting their hands dirty and we all know this is fact! I can remember years ago when Filipinos held all the remedial and physical labor jobs, then the micronesians took these jobs. You would hardly ever see a Chamorru sweeping or mopping a floor or serving at a fast food place. It was just below them to do this type of work. I'm local, but I support the H2 labor. If the H2's aren't brought in to do the work, do you think the Chamorru will step up to the plate and dig ditches or tie rebar? I don't think so!