Americans are priority in Guam jobs

There had been discussions lately about OFWs losing jobs in Guam due to the possibility that many Americans who are unemployed now going to Guam for work.

Actually this writer had been repeatedly stating that indeed . . . Americans, Guamenians, Hawaiian and the other islanders have the first crack of the jobs to be offered during Guam Buildup or any other Guam job offer for that matter.

Guam Governor has to certify that in fact, either no one from the above priorities applied or qualified for the job before it can be offered to other nationalities.

There is no question however that more or less 20,000 jobs are expected to be generated by the project.

At the current situation... if you will go to Guam, the reality is that there are now substantial number of OFWs presently working in various fields.

What does this mean...?

That the locals... (Guamenians, Americans... etc) are simply NOT interested to take the job!

Because if they are... all the jobs there should have been taken and nothing left for the OFW!

And we are just talking about the regular construction work in Guam... not yet the Guam buildup which will need 20,000 workers or so.

The point of the matter that made this issue prominent is due to the proposal by Hawaiian representative to make salaries in Guam (specially during buildup) comparable to Hawaii or even mainland rate...

If that happens... maybe this discussion can change shape..

Below if the comparison of WAGES: GUAM VS. HAWAII
Wages determined by the Department of Labor for federal projects under the Service Contract Act (all figures are rates per hour) versus Hawaii's:
Jobs ..........................In Guam >> In Hawaii %Change
Carpenter, maintenance . $13.00 >>$30.88 +137.5%
Electrician, maintenance .$14.99 >>>$28.25 +88.5%
Heavy equipment mechanic $14.81 >>$26.98 +82.2%
Heavy equipment operator $13.73 >>>$29.54 +115.1%
Painter, building maintenance $13.55 >$23.09 +70.4%

But by the way things are going in the US Congress.... the possibility is not that promising because if this adjustment gets implemented, an additional USD 10B budget is required to complete the project... and we all know that funds are not easy to come-by these days.

In the mean time... this writer (who happens to be the Head of Task Force Guam) finds it prudent to continue with the preparations... manpower registry ... training needs assessment ... continous open communication with both applicants and employers ... document preparation and go ahead with good relationship with the people of Guam! I don't see us loosing anything by being friendly and prepared!

Hafa Adai!

Related Articles:

http://guam-ofw.blogspot.com/2009/07/wage-proposal-being-debated.html

http://guam-ofw.blogspot.com/2009/08/bad-news-good-news-on-guam-jobs.html

http://guam-ofw.blogspot.com/2009/08/subcontracts-manpower-philippine.html

http://guam-ofw.blogspot.com/2009/07/mayor-gordon-believes-guam-wage-ok.html

http://guam-ofw.blogspot.com/2009/08/guam-wage-most-likely-to-stay.html

http://guam-ofw.blogspot.com/2009/07/washington-post-10B-guam-buildups-too-costly.html

http://guam-ofw.blogspot.com/2009/07/proposal-adds-10b-to-cost-of-buildup.html

http://guam-ofw.blogspot.com/2009/07/guam-governor-expects-filipinos-to-fill-jobs.html

Now here's the latest article on this issue.... you be the judge.

OFWs may lose jobs in Guam to Americans

By Jerome Aning

Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- The 15,000 up to 20,000 job openings in Guam being eyed by the Philippine government for overseas Filipinos workers are imperiled by a United States legislator who wants most of the jobs given to US citizens, according to a consultant for overseas job recruitment.

Emmanuel Geslani, a consultant of several Manila-based recruitment agencies, said the US Senate and House of Representatives have been reconciling the final version of the proposed 2010 National Defense Authorization Act, which would specify the budget and expenditures of the US defense department for 2010.

According to Geslani, however, the US Congress might move to prioritize Americans for such jobs.

Various online news have reported that the House version of the bill contains an amendment by Hawaii 1st district Rep. Neil Abercrombie, which, among others, reserved to US citizens up to 70 percent of the jobs to be generated by the US$15 billion worth of construction and infrastructure projects for the planned move of 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents from Japan to Guam.

Abercrombie’s amendment to the House version of the bill also required that the wages for the jobs match the level in Hawaii for similar work.

Reports said that US Navy Secretary Ray Mabus opposed the Abercrombie amendment, which he said would add another US$10 billion to the Guam military-buildup, which centered on the expansion of the Andersen Air Force Base on the island.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration announced last month that OFWs would be preferred in the buildup jobs resulting from the transfer of the US military bases and personnel from Okinawa, Japan, to Guam, a US territory.

The POEA had even started negotiating with job providers in Japan on the wages the OFWs would be getting, adding that OFWs were preferred for their professionalism and hard work.

Geslani said a delay in the passage of the bill by the US Congress would “certainly” affect the timetable for the withdrawal and the POEA’s expected mobilization of OFWs by the first quarter of 2010.

“OFWs are advised to wait until the POEA clears up the situation and accredits selected agencies for this huge project, according to the criteria being drafted by the POEA for licensed recruitment agencies interested in gaining access to the Guam labor market,” he said in a statement.

He also warned OFWs that the POEA has not been processing any job orders for Guam. He urged them not to listen to illegal recruiters who have been going around provinces, recruiting applicants for Guam and telling them that licensed agencies have been listing up possible workers for Guam.

Geslani said the negotiations for OFW deployment have been affected because of the disputes and deadlocks in the processing and procedures for the construction of the new military and housing facilities for the US soldiers.

The consultant, quoting Filipino and Guamanian labor experts familiar with the negotiations, said differences over the selection of contractors for the projects could lag up to a year, upsetting the timetable for the completion of the military transfer by as much as three to four years.

He said another unresolved issue has been the POEA contract containing provisions contrary to Guam labor laws, which have been patterned after those in the US mainland.

“POEA insists that OFWs’ food and accommodation should be free but under Guamanian labor laws, food and accommodation are to be shouldered by the workers, similar to what is practiced in all the US states,” he said.

He said manpower agencies in Guam and the Philippines have also bee also “turned off” by projected costs of sending an OFW to Guam. These costs include the $400 airfare, service fees amounting $1,000 to $2,000, and visa fees of about $1,000.

“Therefore, it would be easier to hire jobless American nationals from the mainland who can fly on their own airfare without the need of a visa, no service fee involved, and no additional costs. Probably the contractors would hire jobless Americans from the construction and home industry who now number 2.5 million,” he said.

He noted that hiring rules were the same as in the US, which would be per hour, and this meant that OFWs would receive the same pay as Americans.

“’So why hire an OFW if you can hire an American at no cost to you’ -- this is what recruitment leaders are saying. There is no advantage in hiring Filipinos. In fact, it is a disadvantage to contractors or sub-contractors for the military project,” Geslani said.

Japan has agreed to provide $6.09 billion of the projected $10.27-billion relocation costs, a figure that includes the base housing as well as infrastructure improvements.

The US has already proposed using part of that money for improving other military facilities not directly connected to the transfer of the Okinawa-based Marines.

Proposed Guam wage change debate heats up

Jobs plan called a threat to Marines' Guam move

Navy secretary says measure may make transfer too costly

By William Cole - Advertiser Military Writer

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, in Hawai'i on his first Pacific tour, yesterday said a jobs requirement added to a defense bill by U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie would jeopardize the planned $15 billion move of 8,000 Marines and their families from Japan to Guam.

"It's no secret that we oppose his (Abercrombie's) amendment to do that," Mabus said. "For one thing, we don't think we can afford to make the move if that happens."

Abercrombie yesterday said defense authorization bills passed by the U.S. Senate and House are in conference committee "and we're talking over what some of the (jobs amendment's) implications are."

The Hawai'i Democrat said the Obama administration is "open to discussion" over the amendment.

"So I have a lot of confidence that our point of view is going to get a fair hearing," Abercrombie said. "Now, whether we prevail, or prevail exactly the way I'd like to prevail, I don't know."

Abercrombie's amendment to the House version of the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act requires that 70 percent of jobs for the Guam buildup go to Americans and that wages be set at levels for similar projects in Hawai'i.

A Congressional Budget Office report estimated the measure would double the $10 billion construction cost for the move by 8,000 Marines and 9,000 family members from Okinawa to Guam, where labor costs are much lower than in Hawai'i.

Madeleine Bordallo, Guam's delegate to the House of Representatives, previously predicted Abercrombie's measure would be heavily altered or omitted.

Mabus, a Democrat and former Mississippi governor, is the 75th secretary of the Navy. He took over the job in May. As secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps, he is responsible for an annual budget of more than $150 billion and 900,000 people.

Mabus said the February grounding of the cruiser Port Royal is a concern.

"Anytime you've got a ship that runs aground it raises concern," Mabus said. "But we've taken a good look at what caused that. I think we understand it and I don't think it speaks of a big training and readiness concern across the Navy."

Mabus recently traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan, and he said 12,000 to 14,000 sailors operate on the ground in the region — more than the 9,500 at sea. He said he visited a Provincial Reconstruction Team in eastern Afghanistan headed up by a Navy submariner.

Real Estate up as Guam buildup nears

Real estate sales up 55%

BY GAYNOR DUMAT-OL DALENO • PACIFIC DAILY NEWS •

Overall real estate sales on Guam increased 55 percent to $56.1 million during the second quarter this year compared to the same period last year, announced local market tracker The Captain Real Estate Group.

"The good news confirms that the worst is over," according to the company, which compiles residential and commercial real estate transactions on Guam and issues quarterly statistics. Without timely government statistics, Captain's figures are looked to as an indicator of the industry's health.

"The overall market reflected strong gains during the second quarter of 2009 and expectations remain high that significant growth will occur over the next 12 to 24 months," according to the company.

At the same time, Captain confirmed there are certain sectors in the local real estate market that remain weak.

According to the company, some of the signs of a rebounding market include:

The median price of a house rebounded 25 percent to $199,500, the strongest quarterly gain on record, but still 16 percent below the $238,000 median price high set in the third quarter of 2008.

Guam saw 158 houses sold in the second quarter, up 40 percent from the five-year low of 115 sales in the first quarter. However, the 158 sales are relatively weak compared to the 210 average units sold during the same period from 2006 to 2008.

The more volatile condominium sector reflected 38 sales, up 52 percent, and a $131,000 median price per unit, down slightly from first-quarter statistics.

The U.S. military buildup, when it starts to go into full swing next year, is expected to raise real estate values, as well as sales activity, according to Captain.

Captain also noted "the bad news" that overall sales activity fell short of expectations -- 2009 sales volume reflects $225 million, down 42 percent from 2008.

Captain added "the ugly news" -- that Guam's real estate market lacks foreign investment.

South Korean investment "has shifted from acquisition into construction, which is positive, but we need foreign capital injections to push real estate to the next level," according to Captain.

Bad news, good news on Guam jobs

The bad news: As next year’s scheduled relocation of the United States military base from Okinawa, Japan to Guam gives Filipinos seeking overseas employment hope, they may not get priority for construction jobs, a recruitment specialist said Sunday.

Although Filipinos are preferred in Guam, the huge unemployment situation in the US, particularly mainland-based construction workers, may get in the way of getting Filipinos hired for jobs created by the planned construction of various buildings and infrastructure in the new site of the US Marine and Air Force units, said Emmanuel Geslani.

Quoting Guam Governor Felix Camacho, he said construction workers in the US may compete with the prospective Filipino workers.

Among those that will be built are new barracks, dependents’ housing, new roads, and infrastructure like electrical power, water facilities, waste treatment, commissary and other buildings necessary to accommodate the transfer and relocation of the additional 23,000 persons, he said.

He said the demand for construction workers for the Guam build-up will start by the first quarter of 2010, when the bids for the new US Marines headquarters will be awarded. Actual construction will start in July 2010 after all bids have been awarded. The 18-month project is scheduled for completion by 2012 for the total relocation of US military personnel from Okinawa by 2014.

At the same time, there are no still job orders approved by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, said Geslani.

He said the employment contract acceptable to both Guam labor officials and the POEA is still being finalized, although the basic issues have already been agreed on—the hourly wages start at $12 and US labor laws will be followed.

Camacho was in the country last month and met with members and officials of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce, the Philippine Association of Service Exporters Inc. (Pasei), and the Philippine Construction Association.

The good news

But once Guam is transformed into a major US military base in the Pacific, Filipino health care personnel will be in demand, the Guam governor said.

“Guam is substantially underserved in health care services. Filipino nurses who have passed the requisite US licensure examinations and Filipino doctors that have US board certifications are qualified to apply,” the Guam official said.

Guam, which is only three hours away from the Philippines, will become home to 8,000 more US Marines and 15,000 more dependents starting 2012.

Actual demand for healthcare workers will start in 2012 when the relocation of the US Marines and their dependents will start so aspiring Filipino nurses and doctors can now prepare by taking the necessary US exams like NCLEX, CGFNS, IELTS, and US Board certifications, Geslani said.

Medical technicians in radiology, cardio laboratories, and CT scan; occupational and physical therapists, as well as medical transcriptionists and medical administrative personnel will be needed to staff the expanded naval hospital in Guam, he said.

The US Department of Defense anticipates that the transfer would double the total patient capacity of the US Naval Hospital, now the primary medical provider for the 14,000 military members and their dependents in Guam.

The US Naval Hospital offers a broad band of medical services that include family practice, OB-GYN, pediatrics, general surgery, internal medicine, occupational health and preventive medicine, physical therapy, health promotions, and social work services.

Japan will fund $8 billion of the $12-billion move, the rest by the US.

Altogether, Geslani said, the relocation of the US military base is expected to generate 20,000 jobs.

Veronica Uy

Guam Senators send letter inviting Obama to buildup conference

OBAMA Senators send letter inviting Obama to buildup conference

Two local senators have sent a second letter to President Obama, urging him to visit Guam.

According to a press release, Sens. Judith Guthertz and Rory Respicio sent a letter over the weekend asking Obama to attend a conference on the coming military buildup.

The two-day conference — “Island Conference on the Guam Military Buildup: the Guam Perspective” — starts on November 19, the letter states. The previously invited Obama in July.

“… Guam is so much more than just a set of military bases and tourist

hotels,” the letter states. “It would be a tremendous honor for us if you could make room in your very crowded schedule to visit our tiny island; and it would be our great privilege to show you the real Guam.”

Respicio said in a press release that it would be most likely that Obama would visit Guam during a trip to Asia. Obama plans to attend an economic summit in Singapore days before the conference in Guam, the letter states.

Obama, the 44th president of the United States, took office in January.

Although residents of Guam cannot vote for president, a local straw poll held on Election Day overwhelmingly supported Obama. PACIFIC DAILY NEWS • NEWS@GUAMPDN.COM

Guam - Olongapo City sister-city relationship

Calvo advocates for Olongapo City sister-city relationship

PACIFIC DAILY NEWS

Gubernatorial candidate Sen. Eddie Baza Calvo yesterday introduced a resolution authorizing Speaker Judith Won Pat to enter Guam into a sister-city relationship with Olongapo City, Philippines.

Resolution No. R170-30 (LS) is co-sponsored by Sens. Rory Respicio, Judith Guthertz, Ray Tenorio and Jim Espaldon.

“Guam and Olongapo City can benefit greatly from each other,” Calvo said. "We can learn a lot from their experience as a former host community to one of the largest U.S. military installations in the region," Calvo said.

Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. visited Guam in April and met with Calvo.

Sangguniang Panlunsod of Olongapo earlier passed resolution 2009 R - 60 - A RESOLUTION EXTENDING AN INVITATION TO GUAM, U.S.A. TO BECOME TWIN-PARTNER OF OLONGAPO CITY AND PARTICIPATE IN THE PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL SISTERHOOD AND TWINNING PROGRAM (PHISTA) AND AUTHORIZING THE HONORABLE MAYOR, JAMES “BONG” GORDON, JR.TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS RELATIVE THERETO

And resolution 2009 R - 62 - A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING HONORABLE MAYOR JAMES GORDON, JR. AS “AMBASSADOR OF GOODWILL” OF THE CITY OF OLONGAPO TO GUAM ,USA IN CONNECTION WITH THE GUAM MARIANAS PROJECT

In the mean time Guam Mayors' Council officers and members are in Olongapo City in preparation for the Pacific Mayors' Conference to be held in Olongapo City next year. Arrangements pertaining to the upcoming Guam build-up project is also part of the agenda.

Guam Wage most likely to stay

Bordallo Expects Abercrombie Amendment To Be Removed From Defense Authroization Act

Guam - Rep. Bordallo briefed Chamber members on the progress of the Marine realignment and said she expected the controversial “Abercrombie amendment” in the National Defense Authorization Act to either be heavily changed or “omitted altogether.”

“I will be advocating for balance… we are working toward ways to boost the interests on Guam without compromising the larger industries,” Congresswoman Bordallo said. “We also will continue our work to support labor training programs so that every local professional has an opportunity for secure jobs.”

Meanwhile, Senator Ray Tenorio in a release says he maintains his confidence in the Guam buildup after Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo addressed the Guam Chamber of Commerce during a lunch meeting held at the Hyatt Regency Guam today.

Senator Tenorio has been a staunch and vocal opponent of the amendment, which seeks to raise construction wages to a rate that would double the cost of the military buildup and set an unrealistic cap on H2 workers for buildup projects.

“I’m so relieved that our Congresswoman, who has her hand on the pulse of Washington D.C., has told the island that the success of this buildup will not be compromised by a man with a vested personal interest,” Senator Tenorio said. “An amendment of this nature must only be implemented if it serves the best interests of our people – our workers – first and foremost. I am confident in the strong congressional support fighting for a buildup that benefits of all of Guam and I thank the members of this delegation for being our voice during this critical time.”

Congresswoman Bordallo is part of a delegation visiting the island from the House of Representative’s Natural Resource Committee. Chairman Nick Rahall also shared his support for Guam and the need for additional assistance in funding the projects necessary to ensure the buildup’s success in what he called an “environmentally sensitive, socially responsible” manner.

“We have to make this buildup right for Guam – not only on the inside of the fence but on the outside of the fence a well,” Chairman Rahall said. “ www.pacificnewscenter.com

Subcontracts, Manpower: The Philippine Pipeline To Guam?

By Jeff Marchesseault - Guam News Factor

GUAM - Subcontracting and overseas labor present a best-fit window of opportunity for Philippine businesses who want a piece of the action during Guam's multi-billion-dollar military buildup.

According to the Manila Bulletin, a government study concluded that since the U.S. and Japan are financing the buildup, firms from these two nations "will be given priority."

The Bulletin goes on to quote the report as stating:

"But since the projects are big, it is expected that the main contractors will sub-contract some portions of the projects. This is where Philippine contractors could come in as sub-contractors or manpower service providers."

Opportunity in the service sector may be ripe for foreign investors, but that doesn't mean they won't face competition from Guam-based businesses.

KUAM and the Marianas Business Journal report that a new company with deep local ties called Guam Manpower Resources is already doing business on island and is gearing up for buildup-related work.

Read the Manila Bulletin story, "Guam offers big opportunities for contractors", July 31, 2009.

Read the KUAM story, "MBJ: Manpower maneuver New group steps into HR field", August 3, 2009.

GMA cancels Guam Trip

GMA Cancels Trip. Guam Hopes For November Visit

By Jeff Marchesseault - www.guamnewsfactor.com

GUAM - Her visit to Guam will simply have to wait. Perhaps till November for a planned military buildup summit.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo cut short her four-city U.S. tour (DC, NY, Chicago, GU) on news of the death of former Philippine President Corazon Aquino over the weekend.

Having called for ten days of national mourning and declaring August 5th a nonworking Philippine holiday, President Arroyo will miss prescheduled trips to Chicago and Guam and return home early to attend memorial services.

BusinessWorld Online quoted Arroyo's announcement to her nation in its hour of bereavement on Saturday:

"Today, the Philippines lost a national treasure. Cory Aquino helped lead a revolution that restored democracy and the rule of law to our nation at a time of great peril," said Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo in a message televised from Washington, D.C., where she met with United States President Barack Obama.

"I am announcing today that we will officially observe [a] 10-day period of national mourning. Our hearts go out to the family in this hour of grief and sorrow. The nation prays for Cory and her family."

Arroyo had been slated to meet with Guam officials and the local Filipino community over the course of about eight hours during a stopover on the island on the way back to Manila. August 5th is the day of Aquino's internment and the day that Arroyo had previously planned to visit Guam.

Meanwhile, Guam officials are anticipating that there'll be room in Arroyo's schedule for a visit to Guam this November. That is the month that Senator Judi Guthertz is planning to hold a military buildup conference on island. Last month Guthertz announced plans to invite both President Obama and President Arroyo, among others, to the summit.

The Business Mirror reports that Arroyo was scheduled to depart New York for refueling in San Francisco today. From there she will fly directly to Manila for an early-morning Wednesday arrival.

Read the Business Mirror story, "GMA: August 5 nonworking holiday", August 2, 2009.

Read the BusinessWorld Online story, "A nation mourns", August 3, 2009.

Read the Guam News Factor story, "Guthertz Invites President Arroyo To Guam", July 17, 2009.

Read the Guam News Factor story, "Senator Guthertz Invites President Obama To Guam", July 6, 2009.

Guam Manpower Resources

MBJ: Manpower maneuver New group steps into Guam HR field

A new company - a local partnership with international relationships - is positioning itself as a player in the labor market for the coming military buildup. Equally, partners told the Journal, the company is bringing its resources to bear in the local human resources area and arranging strategic partnerships. Guam Manpower Resources' partners are Manu P. Melwani and Paris J.M. Blas.

Melwani is president of Pacific American Title Co. and has other business holdings that include Bedrock Construction, Safety 1st and Rainbow Paint Supply; Sherwin Williams Paint and Frazee Paint & Wall Coverings, part ownership of United Pacific Collection Agency, and the Star Building. Blas, previously the office manager at Executive Typing and Employment Services, said the buildup was a factor in the partners' decision to launch the company.

They will draw on the resources of InterAsia Outsource Inc. in the Philippines and ACS Global of Perth, in Western Australia. Guam Manpower opened its doors on July 1 in the Eva Building, which Melwani owns.

The business already has clients, varying in size from Continental Micronesia to Guam Copy Center. It has about 60 registered potential employees and has placed seven individuals in employment as of July 24.

The company has discussed a placement service with a Guam organization and is preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with that organization for its graduates.

Frank Whitman with the Marianas Business Journal contributed to this report. watch "Business Confidential with the MBJ" Mondays on KUAM News Primetime. KUAM.COM

Guam offers big opportunities for contractors

Local contractors could take advantage of the subcontracting business opportunities that Guam can offer over the next few years.

A government report showed that Guam's construction activities for the operational training housing and other infrastructures relating to military build-up will go full blast in 2010.

“Since the US and Japan are funding the buildup, their contractors will be given priority. But since the projects are big, it is expected that the main contractors will sub-contract some portions of the projects.

This is where Philippine contractors could come in as sub-contractors or manpower service providers," the report said.

The government is confident that Filipino firms could get these contracts owing to the country’s proximity with Guam and previous experiences of US and Japanese contractors working with Filipino contractors, engineers and workers. By EDU LOPEZ - Manila Bulletin

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Guam buildup preparations featured in ABS-CBN NEWS

The preparations being undertaken by Olongapo City under the leadership of Mayor Bong Gordon was featured by ABS-CBN NEWS BANDILA during its report last night over Channel 2. News Anchor Henry Omaga-Diaz detailed the experience of former US Military Base Worker's hopes to land a job in Guam after having lost their jobs in the former US Naval Base in Subic when it pulled out in 1992.

Mayor Gordon stressed that the preparations were initiated after his visit to Guam during the Industry Forum and where the impending transfer of 8,000 Military personnel and their families will commence on 2014.

Guam Task Force headed by Ed Piano was created to ensure coordination with POEA, DOLE, TESDA, DFA, GovGuam, contractors, manpower agencies and applicants are facilitated.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oihenFBe8vc

As discussed by Ed Piano, below is the comparison of present Guam Wages vs that of Hawaii

WAGES: GUAM VS. HAWAII
Wages determined by the Department of Labor for federal projects under the Service Contract Act (all figures are rates per hour) versus Hawaii's:
Jobs In Guam . . . . . . . . . .In Hawaii %Change
Carpenter, maintenance . $13.00 $30.88 +137.5%
Electrician, maintenance $14.99 $28.25 +88.5%
Heavy equipment mechanic $14.81 $26.98 +82.2%
Heavy equipment operator $13.73 $29.54 +115.1%
Painter, maintenance $13.55 $23.09 +70.4%

Welder - US National - Special Trade Contractors
(NAICS: 238, SIC: 17, eSIC: 17-179 )

For Personal Use
Salary Estimate from PAQ's Global Salary Calculator
(See ERI's GSC C3 Matrix below, estimate is all-industry/all-sizes) $52,859.00

Value from ERI or ALAS State Salary Survey
(See graph below, this is a 2007 surveyed/size ranged/state average) $36,915.00

For Business/HR Use
Assessor Series, all US last 365 days
(Data is from ERI's Job Availability Log; allow time for computation. ERI Assessor values are subscriber specific to size, industry, date & city area)

Special Trade Contractors Salary Survey
(NAICS: 238, SIC: 17, eSIC: 17-179 )

Hawaii's Special Trade Contractors Salary Survey reports compensation data for 103 benchmark jobs, accompanied by up to four verifying survey sources (only, for new surveys or below threshold collections). ERI Salary Surveys is the sponsor of this 2009 participant and digitized industry-specific survey available by state and organizational size (or on a national basis).

Mayor Gordon believes Guam wage OK

Philippine Leaders Acknowlege: Guam Prevailing Wage ALREADY High

By Jeff Marchesseault - Guam News Factor

GUAM - It appears there's no stopping Olongapo City Mayor James Gordon Jr. from digging up, searching for, and finding emplolyment opportunity on Guam for workers once employed at U.S. Navy defense facilities in the Philippines' Subic Bay. Leaving no stone unturned, Mayor Gordon has reportedly been to Guam twice in the last two months.

The Mayor is unrelenting in the face of daunting challenges relative to the rules that will govern wage rates and foreign workers. Right now a battle is brewing over 2010 Defense Authoriztion Act amendments that would limit foreign worker participation in Guam's massive military buildup to 30 percent and would raise construction worker pay to roughly $26 an hour. A Manila Standard column explains that the current $12-an-hour rate now anticipated by Philippine-based workers is already considered high pay by exchange rate standards.

The controversial amendments have already passed the House and are now before the U.S. Senate as part of the $550.4 billion Defense Authorization Act. Local Guam businesses and the Camacho Administration are fighting against this bill they deem bad for business.

Whatever the final form of the national defense spending law for 2010, the Mayor of Olongapo is evidently lining up the best possible employment opportunities for his constituents and offering his best arguments for their hire. And he's reportedly not about to overlook the offshore interests of hometown entrepreneurial colleagues, either. Here's how Manila Standard Today columnist Jojo Robles sums up Gordon's unfolding game plan:

Mayor Gordon says he wants former Subic base workers who were trained by the US Navy to get priority in the hiring process. American military authorities, he says, already know the dedication and professionalism of Olongapo’s workers, who have undergone training in various specialized skills under the direction of the Americans.

The mayor visited Guam twice in the past two months to work out arrangements for the employment of workers from Olongapo, Zambales and Bataan. He also brought local businessmen with him so they check out bidding rules for contracts and projects that will be available once the buildup starts.

Wage Proposal being debated

Wage provision worrisome: Proposal could lead to higher cost of living

BY CONNOR MURPHY • PACIFIC DAILY NEWS

A proposal to increase wages for workers on military buildup construction projects could lead to more expensive homes and a higher cost of living, said some in the business community.

The annual defense spending bill, recently passed by the House of Representatives, contains an amendment by Hawaii Rep. Neil Abercrombie that would require wages paid to construction workers of buildup projects on Guam to be at least as high as those paid to similar workers in Hawaii.

Those Hawaiian wages are up to 250 percent higher than Guam's current wages, according to a recent Congressional Budget Office report. The report stated that if the proposal were to become law, it would increase the cost of the buildup by $10 billion.

Abercrombie has said he included the amendment -- as well as one to limit work done by foreign workers to 30 percent of each project -- to ensure that buildup-related jobs go to Americans at good wages.

The Senate is working on its annual defense spending bill, and the two bills will be reconciled before a final version is sent to President Obama for his signature.

All construction workers on island would likely see higher pay if the construction wage hike was increased, said Roseann M. Jones, professor of economics and policy planning at the University of Guam.

"I think it's going to take a little bit of the wind out of the sails of the construction industry," she said.

Yesterday's Washington Post included an editorial blasting Abercrombie's wage proposal, citing the costs involved.

"Why add to the burden on taxpayers with these unnecessary provisions?" the editorial asked. "It is tempting to seize on any plan that tries to offer Americans jobs, but this cost is too great."

Housing Affected

Since labor costs are a large portion of each construction project's price tag, this would translate to higher costs for virtually all construction on island, said Peter Sgro, president of International Group Inc., which has been engaged in numerous financial and real estate transactions.

= = =

WAGES: GUAM VS. HAWAII

Wages determined by the Department of Labor for federal projects under the Service Contract Act (all figures are rates per hour) versus Hawaii's:

Jobs In Guam . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .In Hawaii %Change

Carpenter, maintenance $13.00 $30.88 +137.5%

Electrician, maintenance $14.99 $28.25 +88.5%

Heavy equipment mechanic $14.81 $26.98 +82.2%

Heavy equipment operator $13.73 $29.54 +115.1%

Painter, maintenance $13.55 $23.09 +70.4%

SPEAK OUT

Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo

Call: Guam District Office 477-4272; Washington, D.C. Office 202-225-1188

Comment online: www.house.gov/bordallo

Write: 120 Father Duenas Avenue, Hagåtña, Guam 96910

Hawaii Rep. Neil Abercromie

Call: Hawaii District Office: (808) 541-2570; Washington D.C. Office: (202) 225-2726

Online: www.house.gov /abercrombie

Write: 1502 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515

Japan Commits $336 Million In Guam Buildup

Japan Commits $336 Million In Guam Buildup Funding For FY09

By Jeff Marchesseault - Guam News Factor

GUAM - As debate rages on over controversial Guam-buildup spending amendments to a 2010 Defense Authorization Act that has already passed the full House and is awaiting action in the Senate, Tokyo is putting its money where it's mouth is regarding the buildup.

The U.S. State Department issued a statement today that Tokyo is moving forward with its end of the agreement to transfer U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam by offering an initial $336 million in payments relative to the move.

Japan Today's Sunday Edition reports that the payments answer the requirements spelled out in a transfer accord that took effect on May 19.

According to Japan Today:

The accord gives a legal basis to the 2006 Japan-U.S. agreement on the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, commonly referred to as the ‘‘road map,’’ which Tokyo and Washington say is meant to reduce the burden on communities near U.S. bases. It legally requires Tokyo to spend up to $2.8 billion on infrastructure projects on the U.S. territory in the Pacific. The $336 million, or about 34.6 billion yen, will be used for infrastructure projects in the Finegayan area and Apra Harbor on Guam, the ministry [Foreign Ministry] said.

Here is the official media release from the U.S. Department of State:

U.S. and Japan Moving Forward on U.S. Force Realignment

Office of the Spokesman

Washington, DC

July 11, 2009

On July 11, 2009 in Tokyo, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the United States of America James P. Zumwalt and Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone exchanged Notes pertaining to the transfer of funds provided by the Government of Japan to the United States Government in accordance with the Agreement on the Relocation of United States Marine Corps Personnel from Okinawa to Guam, signed by Secretary of State Clinton and Foreign Minster Nakasone on February 17, 2009.

Based on the exchanged Notes, the Government of Japan will provide $336 million to the United States Government during FY2009 to be used for projects to develop facilities and infrastructure on Guam for the relocation of 8,000 U.S. Marines and their dependents from Okinawa to Guam. This is a significant step forward towards implementation of the realignment package.

The United States Government remains committed to the full implementation of the realignment package as agreed in the May 1, 2006 Realignment Roadmap.

Projects to be funded by the Government of Japan during FY2009 for the relocation of U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam:

On-base infrastructure project in Finegayan area (initial phase) $124.8 million

On-base infrastructure project in the north area of Andersen Air Force Base $27 million

On-base infrastructure project in Apra area $169.1 million

Design project (fire station and bachelor enlisted quarters in Finegayan area, and port operation unit headquarters building and medical clinic in Apra area) $15.1 million

TOTAL $336 million

Abercrombie: No To "Wage Slave Class" On Guam

Written by Kevin Kerrigan - Pacific News Center

Guam - Hawaii Representative Neil Abercrombie is standing by his controversial amendments to the 2010 Defense Authorization Act that critics have said would double the cost of the Guam military buildup and spark inflation on island.

Abercrombie inserted two provisions in the Act, one requiring Hawaiian construction wages be paid on Guam buildup jobs, the other restricting H-2 workers to just 30% of any buildup job.

Guam's Governor, Delegate Madeleine Bordallo, island business leaders, and some, but not all legislators, oppose the Abercrombie amendments.

A recent Editorial in the Washington Post criticized Abercrombie's amendments as being too costly.

However, from PNC's Washington Bureau, Peter Granitz of Capital News Connection (CNC)(http://www.cncnews.org/) caught up with the Hawaiian Representative to ask about the criticism.

Abercrombie defended his amendments saying they will prevent employers from exploiting low-wage workers on Guam.

“There’s no way we’re going to have an elite making a ton of money and a wage slave class out in Guam, no more second class citizenship for workers in Guam," Abercrombie told CNC.

In response to the Washington Post Editorial, Abercrombie said the Post should concentrate on journalism: “I’d ask any of the Post’s editors: Will you work for the prevailing wage in Guam? When you do that you can start lecturing me or anybody else about what people should earn.”

The Defense Authorization Act has moved onto the Senate. A final vote is not expected until the fall.

Guam buildup excites Olongapo-Subic workers

The plan to move the US military bases from Japan to Guam is getting the people who worked at the former American facilities in this country excited. Building new military bases in Guam, three hours from Manila, is expected to generate employment for the thousands of people who once worked in US bases here.

Guam Gov. Felix Camacho was in town recently to check out plans of local employment companies to deploy Filipinos to work on the new bases, which will replace US military facilities in Okinawa, Japan. Camacho reportedly said that while Filipinos may get some of the work, they will have to compete with US citizens who have lost their jobs recently because of the recession.

But Olongapo City Mayor James Gordon Jr. is one of those who remain upbeat about the possibility of getting high-paying ($12 an hour) jobs for his constituents during the so-called Guam Buildup. The $10 billion project—funded mostly by Japan—is expected to bring up to 25,000 active duty troops and their dependents from Okinawa to the US territory.

Mayor Gordon says he wants former Subic base workers who were trained by the US Navy to get priority in the hiring process. American military authorities, he says, already know the dedication and professionalism of Olongapo’s workers, who have undergone training in various specialized skills under the direction of the Americans.

The mayor visited Guam twice in the past two months to work out arrangements for the employment of workers from Olongapo, Zambales and Bataan. He also brought local businessmen with him so they check out bidding rules for contracts and projects that will be available once the buildup starts. By Jojo Robles - Manila Standard Today

Washington Post: Guam Buildup's $10 Billion Wage Add-On "Too Costly"

By Jeff Marchesseault - Guam News Factor

GUAM - A Washington Post editorial just published online is adding to the growing criticism of the $10 billion more in Guam construction wages called for in the House version of the 2010 Defense Authorization Act.

Amendments added by the House Armed Services Committee and passed by the full House would ensure that 70 percent of the federal construction jobs associated with Guam's 2010 military buildup plans would go to U.S. citizens and that industry wages would be pegged to the prevailing rate in Hawaii -- more than double that of Guam.

The effect would add another $10 billion to the cost of a buildup already estimated at $15 billion. The Post editorial says the provision should give U.S. senators and taxpayers pause and offers an alternative:

If giving U.S. workers jobs on Guam is a priority, this could be accomplished without driving wages up artificially to such a high level. You could, for example, keep the 70 percent restriction on foreign workers and let the market determine their wages. But given that Japan is paying for much of the relocation, does it make sense to limit the participation of Japanese construction firms and their workers?

The Post makes no mention of the Philippine workforce preferred by Guam officials on grounds of precedence (Filipino construction workers have built much, if not most, of post-war Guam), cultural similarities, and English-language proficiency.

The Post does recognize, however, the high cost of the amendments to U.S. taxpayers, who are already suffering the effects of a major recession:

These provisions will complicate a process already fraught with challenges. Guam's overburdened infrastructure will be sorely taxed by the new arrivals, who will amount to a 14 percent population increase, requiring an estimated $6.1 billion of work on roads, water, sewerage, waste processing and the power grid. Since Guam's annual budget is less than $1 billion, this money will have to come from outside. Why add to the burden on taxpayers with these unnecessary provisions? It is tempting to seize on any plan that tries to offer Americans jobs, but this cost is too great.

John Dela Rosa contributed to this analysis.

Guam's Manila Trade Mission Piques Philippines Business Interests

Written by Guam News Factor Staff Writer Jeff Marchesseault

GUAM - By many accounts, Governor Camcho's trade mission to the Philippines is being hailed a right move at the right time.

A Manila Standard Today columnist reports that Guam's recent outreach visit to Manila more than made up for a lack of attendance by Philippine businesses at the island's buildup business- outreach trade show called Guam Industry Forum III.

Attended by thousands and packed to capacity with activities spread across three hotels, the third annual forum was sponsored by the Joint Guam Program Office and Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) in Tumon in April.

Here is an excerpt from the MST column suggesting that the Guam delegation's personal visit sent a powerful message that Guam is serious about its desire for Philippine investment:

Filipino manpower and construction enterprises joined the initial batch of companies that signed up in the series of industry forums lined up by the US island territory in April. No major Filipino company, except for EEI Corp., joined the forum in Guam.

The Manila round of the industry forum on Tuesday, however, drew some major Philippine companies, including Petron Corp., Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., Stradcom Corp., Penta Capital Investment Corp. and representatives of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Chemical Industries of the Philippines.

On July 1, the Office of the Governor of Guam issued the following media release:

Guam Trade Mission to Manila Attacts Serious Interest:

Governor Camacho issues invitations to do business on Guam

Governor Felix P. Camacho yesterday attended a conference in Manila as part of the Guam Trade Mission delegation that met with approximately 150 senior executives from several Philippine companies to expand on their initial interest in doing business in Guam. The executives represented companies from the fields of technology, real estate, construction, insurance, financial services, agriculture, aquaculture and medicine. In addition to Governor Camacho, members of the Guam delegation included representatives of the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) and members of the island’s private sector.

“I am excited that these companies are looking to extend their services to our island and we certainly welcome their investment,” said Governor Camacho. “I informed them that my office and GEDA are ready to assist with their entry into the Guam market.”

Philippine companies in attendance included Petron Corporation; Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company;; Land Registration Systems, Inc.; 1 Document Corporation; Stradcom Corporation; Penta Capital Investment Corporation; Saludo, Fernandez, Aquino and Taleon Law Offices; and HP Diagnostic. Additionally, the conference was attended by the Philippine Representative of Asian Development Bank as well as representatives of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Chemical Industries of the Philippines.

A number of private businesses are sponsors of the trade mission, including Continental Airlines; International Group, Inc.; Pacific Rim Brokers, Inc.; Land Registration Systems Inc.; Stradcom Corporation; 1 Document Corporation; Century Insurance Co. Ltd.; and the Marianas Business Journal.

“I would like to thank Governor Camacho and GEDA for their participation in this event. While this mission was arranged by a number of individuals in the private sector, the support we have received for the Governor and GEDA is proving invaluable,” said Peter R. Sgro, chairman and executive officer of International Group. “We look forward to the next step in the process as these organizations firm up their plans.”