COMMENTS CLOSED FOR NO-MATCH RULE; FINAL RULING EXPECTED SOON
The deadline expired April 25 for comments to be filed regarding the new Social Security “no-match” rule proposed last August by the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Labor.
A federal judge in San Francisco had ordered an indefinite delay in the implementation of the rule, saying the government had failed to follow proper procedures in issuing it. The administration resubmitted the proposed rule to address the court’s concerns, and additional comments were requested in October.
Judge Charles R. Breyer’s delay in implementing the ruling prevented DHS from sending out about 140,000 no-match letters affecting more than 8 million workers. Breyer found that the government’s proposal would “result in the termination of employment to lawfully employed workers.” The judge also found that the letters would cause “irreparable harm to innocent workers and employers.”
Once (and if) the judge approves the final regulation, FFVA’s Labor Relations Division will issue an updated Bulletin to producer members outlining its implications to Florida’s agriculture industry.
In the meantime, FFVA members are encouraged to review the Labor Relations Bulletin issued on Oct. 12, 2007, for procedures to follow if you receive a no-match letter. The Bulletin is available online at www.ffva.com/publications/bulletins/lbr_590.asp.
