Guam – Civil servants in the CNMI are now heaving a big sigh of relief after the Fitial administration announced that work hour cuts would remain at 16 hours per pay period next fiscal year, according to the Saipan Tribune.
The status quo is much more palatable than a work hour cut of 20 or more hours, which the Commonwealth government could’ve implemented after it learned that projected revenue for fiscal year 2012 is down to $120 million from $132 million in fiscal year 2011.
Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos said critical agencies such as the Department of Public Health, the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Corrections won’t be spared from budget cuts in 2012.
He, however, added that there will be restructuring for efficiency and cost-effectiveness without compromising the delivery of public safety and health services.
The Fitial administration at this time also does not anticipate that government employees will lose their jobs in 2012, as employee termination would only be applied if all other austerity measures prove insufficient.
