Transfer of EEOC to Gov's office raises questions in the Fono

The two-year-old transfer of the Equal Employment Opportunity Division and the Workmens Commission, previously under the Department of Human Resources, to the Governor’s Office surprised Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean.

He questioned why this happened, and in response, the Director of HR, Lyn Alaimalo Pulou, explained this was a decision made by the Governor.

Director Pulou said the vision behind the move to transfer the Workmen’s Commission and the EEO was to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest or impropriety with Human Resources.

The Senate President believes they should be privy to administrative actions by the executive branch.

He also questioned whether the Department is still conducting background checks for government staff; the Director said this is mandated for anyone before they join the government’s workforce.