Governor Ralph DLG. Torres officially announced on Wednesday that the Department of Finance is set to release premium pay for CNMI government employees who have worked at least forty (40) hours to directly mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as CNMI government employees who have worked to provide public services since the pandemic began.
CNMI government employees who have worked on the front lines of the pandemic for at least forty (40) hours in directly mitigating COVID-19, such as providing prevention, response, preparedness, and recovery services, will be receiving $5,000.00 in premium pay.
CNMI government employees who have worked to provide essential public services to the Commonwealth during this pandemic will be receiving $1,000.00 in premium pay.
Governor Torres expresses his appreciation for CNMI government frontliners, first responders, and employees, “The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has brought upon unprecedented challenges for our Commonwealth, and has required a proactive response to safeguard our community. We owe great thanks to our CNMI government frontliners, first responders, and employees. Their hard work and sacrifices made to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community during such challenging times is something to be grateful for.”
“They deserve more, and I wish that we were able to give them more, but I hope that this token of appreciation and gratitude will help end this year on a positive note. As we go into this new year and continue to navigate ‘new normals’ of this pandemic in our Commonwealth, let us recognize and thank our hardworking CNMI government employees, who have provided and maintained critical services for our public despite the challenges of these past two years. Happy New Year, and let us all continue to work together to fight this pandemic,” said Governor Torres.
According to Secretary of Finance David DLG. Atalig, “When we worked on the ARPA Spending Plan, Governor Torres was adamant that we compensate our hardworking frontliners with this premium pay allocation. Thank you to those that are dedicated to protecting our borders and doing their best to keep our islands safe. This is a great way to end the year, and I hope all have a great New Year!”
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