by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Just because the money wasn't appropriated in the Fiscal Year 2011 budget doesn't mean the government can't follow the law. That's what Attorney Daniel Somerfleck wrote in his reply brief in a class action lawsuit. Somerfleck represents various law enforcement and public safety personnel who are fighting to receive the 10 percent increase that is due to them through Public Law 29-105.

The Government of Guam responded to the suit saying it cannot pay the increase because there's no money. Attorney Somerfleck points out that it was the administration that left the raises out in their FY2011 budget submission. He says the government has willfully avoided compensating these employees despite the mandate in the law.

The personnel have asked the court to issue a writ of mandate ordering the government to implement the law, order the issuance of new GG1s and make a finding that the personnel are entitled to a 10 percent wage increase this year and next year.