Division of Labor’s Acting Director Sylverius “Ouch” Tellei was placed on a 10-day suspension without pay for “misconduct and unprofessional behavior” in violation of the Bureau of Public Service System’s Rules and Regulation, according to a notice of an adverse action issued by Vice President & Minister of Justice Raynold Oilouch on November 26, 2019, copy of which was received by Island Times.
In the letter to Acting Director Tellei, Vice President said he received a report of his alleged sexual harassment toward “one of the female officers at Labor” and directed Criminal Investigations Division to investigate the matter.
The letter stated that the report received from the Criminal Investigations Division found allegations of sexual harassment to be unsubstantiated but the CID report found that the Acting Director had attempted to “initiate or establish a relationship with a subordinate officer” which is an unprofessional behavior in violation of the Bureau of Public Service System’s Rules & Regulations.
In addition to unprofessional behavior cited, the letter said that the Acting Director’s actions violated BPS Rules & Regulations on Integrity, Respect for Others and Conduct unbecoming of an Officer.
Moreover he said, “As an Acting Director of the Bureau of Immigration and Labor, with over 24 years of experience, you have an in-depth knowledge and experience enabling you to perform your duties effectively and accordingly. You should display positive examples and high quality of work standard to all of your subordinates. Your position comes with authority and influence for which you are held accountable whether it’s directly or indirectly to any actions and decisions you made, and definitely not to use such authority to initiate or establish relationship with your subordinates.”
Acting Director was advised of his rights review the materials that supported the adverse action against him and file an appeal if he contested the adverse action against him.
Suspension took effect on December 1st and ended on December 10th. (L.N. Reklai)