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Population and Labor
Guam has a population of 154,805 according to the 2000 census data. It grew by 16.3% from 133,152 in 1990. It is expected to grow another 16% to 180,692 in year 2010.
Guam’s labor laws are patterned after those of the U.S. and regulated by the Guam Department of Labor. The Governor of Guam is vested with the authority to issue temporary labor certifications on Guam if, after testing the local labor market, it is found that: qualified U.S. citizens or permanent residents are not available to perform the required services and that employment of a non-immigrant alien will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. resident workers who are similarly employed on Guam. This temporary certification is issued by the Guam Department of Labor for a period of one year or less. Extensions may be granted for a period not to exceed three consecutive years. Minimum wage is set by the prevailing U.S. rates.
Employment By Industry
December 2006 |
| Industry |
Number |
% |
| Private: |
|
|
| Agriculture |
290 |
0.49 |
| Construction |
4,380 |
7.44 |
| Manufacturing |
1,640 |
2.79 |
| Transportation & Public Utilities |
5,000 |
8.50 |
| Wholesale Trade |
2,070 |
3.52 |
| Retail Trade |
12,010 |
20.40 |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate |
2,450 |
4.16 |
| Services |
15,820 |
26.88 |
| Sub-total |
43,660 |
|
| Public: |
|
|
| Federal Government |
3,460 |
5.88 |
| Territorial Government |
11,740 |
19.94 |
| Sub-total |
15,200 |
|
| |
|
|
| Total |
58,860 |
100% |
Source: Current Employment Report, December 2006, Dept. of Labor-Bureau of Labor Statistics
WORKFORCE & LABOR MARKET
The total number of jobs on Guam held essentially steady, for the second consecutive quarter ending March 2009. The total job count went from 60,970 in September to 60,840 in December 2008 to 60,950 in March 2009's preliminary statistics.
The Construction industry gained 140 jobs, in the latest quarter, while the Hotel and Transportation and Public Utilities industries lost 120 and 90 jobs, respectively.
Federal employment decreased by 70 jobs compared to the previous quarter, but was up 180 from the prior year's figures. Government of Guam employment increased seasonally by 280 for the quarter but decreased by 30 jobs over the comparable period of one year ago.
Average hourly earnings for private sector employees were up forty-seven cents per hour and $18.22 per week, or a little over four percent each, since March 2008 one year ago. The increased Construction and Manufacturing share of employment, over the year, contributed to increased average hourly and average weekly earnings.
Average hourly earnings and average weekly earnings for Government of Guam employees increased a little over two percent over the year.
Prevailing wage rates and labor laws in Guam are set, administered and enforced pursuant to 22 GCA Guam Fair Labor Standards Act which mirror that of U. S. federal labor laws (pursuant to section §101(a(15)(h)ii of 8 U.S.C. 1186).
Average Hourly Earnings by Industry
December 2006 |
| Industry |
In US$ |
| Agriculture |
7.95 |
| Construction |
13.48 |
| Manufacturing |
14.54 |
| Transportation & Public Utilities |
13.49 |
| Wholesale Trade |
8.98 |
| Retail Trade |
10.33 |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate |
12.03 |
| Services |
9.01 |
| Government of Guam |
17.75 |
Contact Information:
Guam Department of Labor
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Mailing: 414 West Soledad Ave., Hagatna, Guam 96932
Telephone: Directors Office (671) 475-7046/47
Fax: (671) 475-7075
Website: www.guamdol.net
Email: Economic Research Center – economist_bls@guamdol.net
One Stop Career Center – rlg_onestop@guamdol.net
Wage & Hour Division – rcq_wage@guamdol.net
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