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By Rolynda Jonathan
Five members of the Senate staff of the Olbiil Era Kelulau have been terminated effective Thursday April 18, approved 2013. The staff members were given the oral notice on April 16 just two days before their termination became effective.
One staff member who requested anonymity, salve expressed disappointment over the action saying two days is not enough time to seek new employment.
According to sources, Senate President Camsek Chin told the staff one by one that due to limited funding the senate could no longer keep them.
Although it is a normal procedure for staff members to turn in their resignation, be subjected to a review of their employment contract and possibly relieved of their duties, the five along with the rest of the senate staff were assured their jobs would be secured. Sources say the staff members were also told they would be placed on probation until April.
The Senate Minority in a letter addressed to Chin expressed disappointment over the termination saying the action “is a blatant contradiction” of his earlier assurance to keep the staff if the minority fully supports and signs the resolution affirming the presiding officers of the senate. The minority further urged Chin to reconsider the terminations and follow through on his pledge.
