Book Description

In 2007, the U.S. enacted a law incrementally raising the minimum wages in Amer. Samoa and the Commonwealth of the N. Mariana Islands (CNMI) until they equal the U.S. minimum wage. Amer. Samoa¿s minimum wage increased by 50¢ three times, and the CNMI¿s four times before legislation delayed the increases, providing for no increase in Amer. Samoa in 2010 or 2011 and none in the CNMI in 2011. Recent economic declines in both areas reflect the closure of one of two canneries in Amer. Samoa and the departure of the garment industry in the CNMI. This report describes, since the increases began: (1) employment and earnings; and (2) the status of key industries. Charts and tables. This is a print on demand report.