" We’re participating with SGMA in a very successful training conference. I am very gratified to see that over the last 3 to 4 years there has been a remarkable turnaround in safety compliance, particularly in the garment industry. In large part it is because of the industry representatives that have participated in the SGMA Code of Conduct, where they are trying to be a model industry worldwide. OSHA fully supports SGMA’s efforts through the Excellence 2000 program."

" I see the need for OSHA operations as not being permanent in Saipan. I do not see the need for a permanent OSHA office."

" When we go back to Congress we meet with so and so’s staff, or Senator so and so, and we hear, ‘Why are you beating up on the employers in the Northern Marianas?’ We start sweating bullets and feel like we’re being pulled through a knothole, and at the end of the hearing we hear, ‘ Why are you not doing more in enforcement in the Northern Marianas?’ If you get confused, so do we."

At a meeting with the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, May 8, 2000

"Our main focus on Saipan is the garment industry. WeÕre beginning to see a change in that industry. WeÕre seeing a change in capital improvements being made in the factories and also a change in attitude. There are about 10 companies out of 31 now working closely with OSHA. I believe it is signal that this will become a model industry not only here in Saipan, but also worldwide."

To the Marianas Variety, May 5, 2000

"We've seen some of the companies develop safety and health programs to better the situation for the worker. We see the change of attitude, perhaps the most important thing. They are basically opening up their doors to OSHA."
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David Boback, Assistant District Director
U.S. Dept. of Labor, Wage and Hour Division

At a meeting of Saipan Rotary Club International, May 2, 2000

" We are here in Saipan to assist in education and outreach with the SGMA. Our primary focus and function is competitive equality. We try to enforce our laws equably for all employers. U.S. Labor has been finding in the last few years that workers in the garment industry are happy with their jobs."

" We are working with DOLI (CNMI Dept. of Labor and Immigration) to begin training CNMI Labor officials. We’re looking forward to partnerships for compliance without having to do investigations."

" The trend here in the garment industry is that things are getting better. Problems with labor compliance is not unique to Saipan. Take Hawaii where violations are rampant."