Former Port Authority of Guam employee Vivienne Lyonne didn’t mince words about the reality workers face at the agency.

“I know that there are several employees who wish to file grievances but feel that their voices will be suppressed or they’ll be retaliated against for doing so,” said Lyonne.

When asked if there was a “climate of fear” at the Port Authority, Lyonne said, “I believe there is.”

Lyonne, who was terminated this past July, says she believes her termination came after she filed three post-audit complaints against the general manager to the civil service commission.

Her comments came as she delivered written testimony of current Port employee Glen Nelson in support of Bill 148 by Speaker Frank Blas Jr.

The measure would expand Guam's False Claims and Whistle-Blower Act, requiring agency heads to recuse themselves when they are the subject of a grievances and to hand oversight to an independent body.

It also bans retaliation with hefty fines and penalties for violators.

“The real danger isn’t employees speaking up: it’s a system that punishes them for doing so,” added Lyonne. 

Nelson’s testimony detailed his experience with the flawed system.

“Earlier this year, the appointed head of my agency disparaged me during an open confirmation public hearing for the renomination of Concita Taitano and the new nominee, Mr. Mark Mendiola, to the Port Board of Directors. In response, I filed a formal grievance with the Port’s HR division, which was not a decision I made lightly, but driven by a deep need to correct the wrong that has been done to me and to hold the person responsible for the comments accountable,” said Lyonne. 

However, the grievance process had been compromised from the beginning with the agency head Nelson filed against, the Port General Manager, overseeing and administering the process themselves.

“To make matters worse, all the individuals involved in the process were subordinate to the agency head, creating layers of conflict of interest and undue influence,” said Lyonne. 

In reaching out to the Port’s Board of Directors for assistance, he was issued a note of adverse action. 

Nelson decided to take his efforts for justice a step further, filing an appeal with the CSC.

While his case remains pending until it’s November hearing, he says urgent reform of this process is needed now. 

“Many employees feel trapped in a system that protects power, not people,” said Lyonne. “We are not just workers. We are the backbone of our government, carrying institutional knowledge, professionalism, and commitment through ever changing political winds.”

She adds that Nelson’s story reflects a broader culture and a system with no road map for when the boss is accused.

"There’s really no process that tells the HR staff how to handle grievances against the department head,” added Lyonne. 

Speaker Blas says that’s exactly what his bill is designed to fix.

“This bill would not have been necessary had there been processes and procedures currently existing,” said Blas. 

If passed, Bill 148 would give all GovGuam agencies 90 days to update their grievance policies.

For employees who say they’ve been left powerless for too long, it could mean the chance to speak up, without fear.