Chinese construction workers are suing the owners of a multi-billion-dollar casino on Saipan, in the Northern Marianas.
Photo: RNZ/Mark Rabago
Imperial Pacific, which is behind the delayed and embattled hotel-casino development in Garapan, is accusued of forced labour and human trafficking.
The claims emerged in filings to the Federal Court in Saipan on behalf of seven Chinese workers seeking unspecified compensation for their treatment.
Filings reported by Reuters say workers were made to work more than 12 hours a day, and sometimes a 24-hour shift.
They allege Imperial Pacific "recklessly disregarded its contractors' exploitive and illegal practices" and that supervisors beat employees.
The company did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment.