Local businesses are facing tough times.
After donating to the Protect AS One raffle to boost COVID vaccinations, facing a labor shortage and fearing the loss of more workers due to ASG’s new minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, they have now been asked to donate to a government job fair next month.
Letters from the Dept. of Commerce are soliciting businesses to pay $5000 to be a diamond sponsor, $3000 to be a gold sponsor, $1000 to be a silver sponsor and $500 to be a bronze sponsor.
The Job & Internship Fair 2021 is organized by the Departments of Commerce, Education and Human Resources.
According to the solicitation letter, there are four events planned.
- Share a Meal with a Mentor is set for the evening of August 16 at the Lee Auditorium
- A Professional Networking event on the evening of August 17 at the Lee Auditorium
- A Job Fair for the east side at the DWYA gym in Pago Pago on Wednesday August 18
- A Job Fair for the west side at the DWYA gym in Tafuna on Thursday August 19
The benefits for sponsorship include promotional displays and publicity, booths at the fair and participation in the various events.
Business owners who spoke with KHJ News say they are being hit from all sides and wonder if those planning the fair are in touch with what the private sector is experiencing.
They said they support the youth but don’t see the need for a job fair at this time when ASG is already bloated and the main private sector employer is going through a down turn which is affecting supporting businesses. They say with ASG’s higher wage bill paying workers on the government payroll, now may not be sustainable. Aside from that, businesses are also donating monetary and in kind prizes to the COVID-19 vaccination raffle.
One business owner said, “we are already facing a labor shortage. Now with ASG’s higher wages, how can the government expect businesses to compete in the job market?”
Another pointed out, “It seems this is (the only time) when the businesses are recognized by the government, when they need something. But when it makes major decisions like raising the minimum wage or taxes and fees, we’re never asked to make an input.”
According to the ASG’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2022, the total number of government positions is 6,978. This is three less than the number of positions in the current year budget.
However, senior government officials have confirmed many more employees are now on the payroll. For example, in the governor’s office alone, it’s estimated that for every position in the former administration 2 or 3 more have been added.
