Pago Pago Representative Trude Ledoux-Sunia feels that the House should give the opportunity to acting directors to explain the reasons why some employees have been removed.
During the House session, Thursday, the first term faipule said that members seem to be taking the side of the affected employees, but they should also hear the side of the acting directors.
She said she has made inquiries with the acting directors of Human Resources, Department of Commerce, and Department of Health, and they have provided preliminary answers as to the reasons and justification for the termination of services of the affected employees.
Two assistant directors of the Department of Commerce, Victor Tuiasosopo and Michael McDonald were notified by email by Acting DOC Director Lina Petaia that, as political appointees, their terms of employment ended on January 3. She also said she will have her own deputies, and the assistant director positions will no longer exist during her tenure.
The Deputy Director of the Department of Health, Vesi Fautanu Jr., confirmed to KHJ News, yesterday, that he was informed Monday by Acting Director of DOH Dr. Saipale Fuimaono that he was being removed from that position.
Representatives Avagafono Vaimaga Maiava, Vailotata Amituanai and Vice Speaker Fetui fetu made statements in the House earlier this week that the acting directors should not remove employees until they have been confirmed.
In his speech at the opening of the Fono on Monday, Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean advised acting directors to hold off on personnel changes until after they have been confirmed. He repeated the advice on Wednesday.
Representative Ledoux Sunia requested that the Department of Human Resources be given a chance to explain the reasons why the employees have been removed. She felt it was necessary for the House members to hear the explanation from Human Resources and she was concerned that without members understanding the reasons for the removal of the affected employees, the confirmation of the acting directors may be affected.
House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale, on the other hand, said there are procedures and policies for employees with grievances to follow. He said the House has its own responsibility of reviewing and confirming director appointees.
