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Customer Complaint Resolution ManualJanuary 2011
The Maine Department of Labor provides equal opportunity in employment and programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 1
Table of Contents
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Customer Complaint Resolution Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
LocalOfficeResponsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Complaint File Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Quarterly Complaint Log Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Completion of the Quarterly Log Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Sample of Completed Log Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Types of Complaints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Complaint Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
How to Handle Complaints Locally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
How to Handle Complaints at State Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
ETA Form 8429 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Completion of ETA Form 8429 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Complaint Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Specific CareerCenter-Related Programs and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Veterans Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
H-2A Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Apparent or Field Check Violation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Apparent or Field Check Violation Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Trade Adjustment Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Competitive Skills Scholarship Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Referred Complaints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
DepartmentofLaborPersonnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Discrimination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
AmericanswithDisabilitiesAct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Wage and Hour Division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 2
DivisionofVocationalRehabilitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Division of the Blind and Visually Impaired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
State Complaint System Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
State Complaint Resolution Administrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Hearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Discontinuation of Services to Employers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Appendix A –Master List of Personnel and Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
State Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Equal Opportunity Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Federal Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Appendix B – Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Appendix C – Sample Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Appendix D – Posters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 3
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution ManualThe Maine CareerCenter system strives to assure that every customer’s needs are met and that customers aresatisfiedwiththeservicestheyreceive.Fromtimetotime,customersoftheemploymentservicessystemmayhavecomplaintsaboutprocesses,violationsofemploymentlaws,employerpractices,discrimination,unsafeworkingconditions,andthelike.Thismanual is designed to help CareerCenter staffrespondtothesecomplaintsinatimelyandefficientmanner.UnderFederallaw,itisourdutytodoso within certain time constraints .
The processes described in this manual are intended for use for all customer complaints regarding programs and services offered by CareerCenters. This includes offices of Service Providers who administer the Workforce Investment Act programs, as well as CareerCenter Service Points.
Exceptincaseswherecomplaintsneedtobereferredtoadifferentorhigherentityimmediately,complaintsshouldberesolvedatthelocalCareerCenterlevel,andguidanceisgivenhereabouthowcomplaintsareexpectedtobehandled.Detailsarealsoincludedinthismanualabouthowcomplaintsnotresolvedatthelocallevelshouldbereferredtotheappropriateagencyorperson.
Thismanualappliesto,andismadeavailableto,allCareerCenterandServiceProvidermanagementand staff .
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 4
Customer Complaint Resolution Policy
Policy Objectives
• Respondtoandattempttoresolvecustomercomplaintsatthelocallevelasquicklyaspossible,whenever appropriate .
• Ensurecomplaintsareresolvedtothecustomers’satisfactionwheneverpossible.
• Provide CareerCenter managers and staff with an understanding of the formal complaint process for all programs operating within the CareerCenter .
• Definejointsupervisor/managerialresponsibilitiesforprocessingandresolvingcustomercomplaints.
Responsibility of CareerCenter Managers
ItwillbethejointresponsibilityoftheCareerCenterManagersandServiceProviderManagerstoworkcollaborativelytoensurethecomplaintresolutionprocessiscarriedoutinauniform,timely,andconsistentmanner.TheBESCareerCenterManagersareresponsibleforforwardingallcomplaintresolution documentation to the State Complaint Resolution Administrator for their related Service Provider locations .
Guidelines
Whenpossible,complaintsandgrievanceswillberesolvedlocallywithoutinvokingthemoreformalprocesses.TheoverallobjectiveoftheCareerCenterComplaintResolutionProcessistoresolvecomplaintsquicklytothesatisfactionofthecomplainantwheneverpossible.Theprocessforhandlingandresponding to customer complaints is detailed in this manual .
Confidentiality
Theidentityofthecomplainant(s)andanypersonswhofurnishinformationrelatingto,orassistingin,aninvestigationofacomplaintshallbekeptconfidentialtothemaximumextentpossible,consistentwithapplicablelawandafairdeterminationofthecomplaint.
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 5
Local Office Responsibilities
1 . AllcomplaintsbeingreferredtoanenforcementagencyortotheStateComplaintResolutionAdministratorshouldbesubmittedimmediatelywithacopyofcompletedETAForm8429andallsupportingdocumentation.Insomecases,thereisaveryshorttimeallowedforresolvingthecomplaint .
2 . AteachlocalofficewheretheServiceProviderisco-located,theBESManagershallberesponsiblefor the management of the complaint system . If the complaint concerns an employee of the service provider or a program service provided by service provider staff, the BES manager will collaborate with the service provider manager on resolving or referring the complaint. Allcomplaints,regardlessofthestaffemployer,shouldberecordedontheLogSheetandhaveanETA Form 8429 completed .
3 . Inastand-aloneWIAoffice,theprovidermanagerwillberesponsibleforcarryingoutthecomplaintsystem .
4 . InformationpertainingtotheuseoftheCareerCentercomplaintsystemispublicized.Thisshallinclude the prominent display of a complaint system poster (“If You Have a Complaint…”) in each localoffice,satelliteordistrictoffice.
5 . CareerCenter-relatedcomplaintsmaybefiledinanyCareerCenterofficeorwiththeBESadministrativeoffice. AllCareerCenter-relatedandnon-CareerCenterrelatedcomplaints,otherthanthoseinvolvingdiscriminationandWIA-relatedmatters,shallfirstbehandledbythelocalCareerCenterManagersorassignedbytheCareerCenterManagertoalocalofficeemployeetrainedintheprocess. The local WIA service provider manager will attempt to resolve WIA Title I related complaints . Any WIATitleIrelatedcomplaintsunresolvedbythelocalWIAserviceprovidermanagementmustbereferredtotheLocalWorkforceInvestmentBoard(LWIB)ExecutiveDirectorforfinallocallevelresolution.Ifthecomplaintremainsunresolved,thecomplaintwillbereferredbytheExecutiveDirector to the State Complaint Resolution Administrator .
6 . Thereshallbeanappropriateofficialavailableduringregularofficehourstotakecomplaintsineachlocaloffice.
7 . IfaCareerCenterofficialreceivesacomplaintinanyformwhichissignedbythecomplainantandincludessufficientinformationtoinitiateaninvestigation(DoesitansweralltheETA8429complainantquestions?),thedocumentshallbetreatedasifitwereaproperlycompletedComplaint/ReferralForm(ETA8429)filedinpersonbythecomplainant. a. Thelocalofficeofficialshallsendaconfirminglettertothiseffecttothecomplainant(Seesample inAppendixC–NotificationofComplaintReferral).
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 6
b. Ifthecomplainanthasnotprovidedsufficientinformationtoinvestigatethematterexpeditiously, thelocalofficeofficialshallrequestadditionalinformationfromthecomplainant.
8 . Withinfivedaysoftheendofeachquarter,thelocalofficeManagerwillsubmittheLogSheetforthepreviousquartertotheStateComplaintResolutionAdministratorattheBESadministrativeoffice,forsubmissiontotheU.S.DOLRegionaloffice.
9. Reporting ScheduleFirst Quarter July–September ReportdueOctober5Second Quarter October–December Report due January 5Third Quarter January – March Report due April 5Fourth Quarter April – June ReportduebyJuly5
10. Record retention Recordsregardingcomplaintsandactionstakenonthecomplaintsmustbemaintainedforaperiodof not less than three years from the date of resolution of the complaint . Source: 29 CFR 37.39
11. Equal Opportunity Duringeachpresentationtoorientnewparticipants,newemployees,and/orthegeneralpublictoitsWIATitleI–financiallyassistedprogramsoractivity,theCareerCenterorWIAserviceprovidermustinclude a discussion of rights under the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of WIA andtherighttofileacomplaintofdiscriminationwiththeEqualOpportunityOfficer.(SeelistofEOOfficialsintheMasterPersonnelListinAppendixA) Source: 29 CFR 37.36
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 7
Complaint File Requirements
Local CareerCenters must:
1 . Createafilefolderforeachcomplaint.
2 . Keepfilefoldersbyprogramyear,thenbyquarter(JulytoSeptember,OctobertoDecember,JanuarytoMarch,ApriltoJune).
3 . Ataminimum,thefilefoldershouldcontain:
• The completed ETA 8429
• Allhand-writtennotesofconversationsorphonecallsaboutthecomplaint.
IfthecomplaintwasreferredtotheStatelevelortoanotheragency:
• Documentation of where the complaint was referred .
• Programinformation.Forinstance,ifaTAAorWIArequestwasdenied,includeacopyofthatdecision document .
• Any other information or documentation relevant to the complaint .
4 . Filesaretobekeptforthreeyearsfromthedateoflastactivity.
5 . Theseareconfidentialrecordsandshouldbekeptsecured.
NOTE: For each complaint listed on the Log Sheet, there should be corresponding documentation of the complaint and its resolution/referral.
A copy of the contents of the folder should be included with the quarterly Log Sheet sent to the State Complaint Resolution Administrator.
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 8
Quarterly Complaint Log Sheet [Sample form only. Find usable form in Appendix B] Complaint #
Com
plai
nant
Nam
e:
pers
on m
aking
comp
laint
Resp
onde
nt N
ame:
who/
what
comp
laint
is ag
ainst
Date Filed
MSFW
H-2A Worker
Against Employer
Against CareerCenter
Program Decision
Workplace Safety
H-2A Regulations/Law
Wages/Hours/UI/TANF/etc.
Disability
Discrimination
MSFW Regulations/Laws
Other
State Complaint Administrator
UI/TANF/OSHA
Wage & Hour, USDOL (H-2A)
Bureau of Labor Standards
DBVI/DVR
EO State Office (discrimination)
State Monitor Advocate (MSFW)
Other
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Resolved Locally
Staf
f Per
son
Taki
ng
Com
plai
nt
Quar
ter:
Prog
ram
Yea
r:Ca
reer
Cent
er-
Rela
ted
Non-
Care
erCe
nter
-Re
late
dRe
ferr
ed T
o:
Mai
ne D
epar
tmen
t of L
abor
Custo
mer C
ompla
int Re
solut
ion Sy
stem
Quar
terly
Log
Loca
l Off
ice:
rev.
12/
10
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 9
Completion of the Quarterly Log Sheet
TheQuarterlyLogrepresentstheaggregatehistoryofcomplaintsfiledduringthereportingperiod.EachindividualcomplaintdocumentedonanETSForm8429mustberecordedonthelogsheet(including those resolved locally) .
Thelogsheethasmandatorydatafieldsthatmustbecompleted.Alltextentriesmustbeprintedinacompletelylegiblemanner.AnexamplecopyofacorrectlycompletedQuarterlyLogisavailableforreference on page 11 of this manual . It is recommended that immediately upon completion of the ETA Form8429,thecomplaintinformationbeenteredonthequarterlylogsheet.
Note:Someunresolvedcomplaintsmaycarryovertothenextquarterandneedtobeaccountedforinthe next report period . This is particularly true for complaints received near the end of the reporting period.Individualunresolvedcasesshouldbecarriedovertothenewreportperiod.
Each log sheet must include the following entries:
Local Office
Program YearAlwaysJuly1,20XXtoJune30,20XX,writtenasPY20XX.
Quarter • Q1=July1–September30
• Q2=October1–December31
• Q3 = January 1 – March 31
• Q4 = April 1 – June 30
(seepage6,#9Local Office Responsibilities for further information on quarters and reporting schedule .)
Complaint NumberEachcomplaintisassignedacomplaintnumber.Eachlogsheethasdatafieldsforupto20individualcomplaints.Yourfirstcomplaintshouldbeenteredonline#1,secondcomplaintonline#2andsoon.
Complainant NameEnterthenameofthepersonfilingthecomplaint.ThenameshouldmatchPartI,#1ontheETS8429.
Respondent NameIdentifythewhoorwhatthiscomplaintisfiledagainst(seecomplainttype/conditionspage12forentryoptions and refer to the sample of the completed log sheet on page 11) .
Date FiledThisisthedatethecomplaintwasreceivedandissameasthedateenteredonformETSForm8429,topof the page under “Date Received .”
Type of ComplaintPlacean“x”inthebox(es)fortheappropriatetypeofcomplaint(CareerCenter-Relatedand/orNon-CareerCenter-Related .)
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 10
Referred ToPlaceacheckmarkinthebox(es)toidentifywhothecomplaintwasreferredto(ifapplicable).
Resolved LocallyPlacean“x”intheboxif/whenthecasewasresolvedlocally.
Staff Person Taking ComplaintEnterthenameofthepersontakingthecomplaintonbehalfofthecomplainant.
Documentation of local complaint resolutionProvidedocumentationintheindividualcasefile(notes,lettertocomplainant)oftheresolutionreached,dateresolved,anddatecomplainantwasnotified.
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 11
Sample of Completed Log Sheet
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 12
Types of Complaints
Complaint Type ConditionsCareerCenter-RelatedMSFW or H-2A Worker • ComplaintsbyMSFWorH-2AworkersregardingCareerCenterservices
• Alleged incident occurred less than one year agoEmployer • ByapplicantwhowasreferredtothejobbyMDOL
• Alleged incident occurred less than one year ago
• Involvingallegedviolationsofthetermsandconditionsofthejoborderoralleged violations of employment-related law
CareerCenter • AboutCareerCenterstaffactionsoromissionsunderprogramregulations
• ComplaintsbyveteransinvolvingPriorityofService
• Alleged incident occurred less than one year agoProgram Decision • InvolvingWagner-Peyser,employmentservices,orCareerCenterprogram
decisions .
• Alleged incident occurred less than one year agoNon-CareerCenter-relatedMSFW or H-2A Regulations/Law
• ComplaintsbyMSFWaboutregulationsoremployer.
• ComplaintsbyH-2Aworkeraboutregulationsoremployer.All Others • Complaintfiledmorethan12monthsaftertheallegedincident.
• Complaint against an employer where complainant was not referred to thejobbyMDOL.
• Aboutallegedviolationsoftheregulations/lawsgoverningprogramsthemselves .
• ComplaintsinvolvingUnemploymentInsurance,OSHA,TANF,orotheragencies .
• Complaints of discrimination .
• Complaintsinvolvingwages,hours,FamilyLeaveLaw,whistleblowerviolation,etc.
• Complaintsaboutdisabilityservices.
• ComplaintshandleddirectlybytheStateComplaintResolutionAdministrator .
• ComplaintsaboutmultipleCareerCentersortheentiresystem.
• Complaints from another agency .
• Complaints from other states .
• ComplaintsreceiveddirectlybytheStateoffice.
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 13
How to Handle Complaints Locally
Type of Complaint
Steps to Handling Complaints LocallyAttempt a local resolution When not resolved or handled locally
Man
ager
or
Des
igne
eEx
plai
n Pr
oces
sO
ffer
CC
Ser
vice
sFi
ll ou
t ETA
For
m 8
429
Fill
out D
L 1-
2014
a
Reco
rd o
n Lo
g Sh
eet
Tim
e to
res
olve
(in
wor
king
day
s)
[*de
note
s ca
lend
ar d
ays]
Refer to Subm
it 84
29 to
Sta
te C
ompl
aint
Re
solu
tion
Adm
inis
trat
orSu
bmit
DL
1-20
14a
to
Stat
e EO
Coo
rdin
ator
Reco
rd r
efer
ral o
n Lo
g Sh
eet
Not
ify c
ompl
aina
nt o
f re
ferr
al
CareerCenter-RelatedAgainst an employer (whenjobreferralwasbyMDOL)
x x x x x 15 x x x
Actionoromissionbylocal staff
x x x x x 15 x x x
Program decisions x x x x x 15 x x xTAA x x x x x 15 TAA Coordinator xCSSP x x x 15 CSSP Program ManagerVeterans Services x x x x x 15 x x xMSFW x x x x x 5 State Monitor Advocate x x xH-2A x x x x x 5 ForeignLaborCertification x x xWIA (Title I)
x x x x x 60* IncludingLWIBfinalresolution attempts
x x x
Non-CareerCenter-RelatedLaws or regulations x x x x x x x xComplaint more than 12 months old
x x x x x x x x
Against an employer (whenjobreferralwasNOTbyMDOL)
x x x x x x x x
From another state or agency
x x x x x
Against more than one CareerCenter location
x x x x x
Discrimination x LocalEOOfficer x
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 14
Type of Complaint
Steps to Handling Complaints LocallyAttempt a local resolution When not resolved or handled locally
Man
ager
or
Des
igne
eEx
plai
n Pr
oces
sO
ffer
CC
Ser
vice
sFi
ll ou
t ETA
For
m 8
429
Fill
out D
L 1-
2014
a
Reco
rd o
n Lo
g Sh
eet
Tim
e to
res
olve
(in
wor
king
day
s)
[*de
note
s ca
lend
ar d
ays]
Refer to Subm
it 84
29 to
Sta
te C
ompl
aint
Re
solu
tion
Adm
inis
trat
orSu
bmit
DL
1-20
14a
to
Stat
e EO
Coo
rdin
ator
Reco
rd r
efer
ral o
n Lo
g Sh
eet
Not
ify c
ompl
aina
nt o
f re
ferr
al
Discriminationbystaffx 15
State EO Coordinator andMDOLOfficeoftheCommissioner
x
DisabilityServices
x x x x
MDOLDisablityCoordinator(OfficeoftheCommissioner) or Maine Human Rights Commission
x x
Workplace Safety x x NearestOSHAOffice x xUnemploymentCompensation
x xBureauofUnemploymentCompensation
x x
TANF x x DHHS x xMSFW law x x State Monitor Advocate x xH-2A law x x ForeignLaborCertification x xDVR
x xDivision of Vocational Rehabiliation
x x
Housing x x x BureauofLaborStandards x xFamily Leave Law x x x BureauofLaborStandards x xMinimum wage or overtime
x x xBureauofLaborStandards
x x
ChildLaborLawviolations
x x xBureauofLaborStandards
x x
Whistleblowerissues x x x BureauofLaborStandards x x
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 15
Type of Complaint
Steps to Handling Complaints at State LevelPerson who handles
When not resolved or handled at State
Stat
e C
ompl
aint
Res
olut
ion
Adm
inis
trat
orSt
ate
EO C
oord
inat
orSt
ate
Mon
itor
Adv
ocat
eFo
reig
n La
bor
Cer
tifica
tion
Inve
stig
ate
com
plai
nt a
s ne
eded
Tim
e to
res
olve
(in
wor
king
day
s)
[*de
note
s ca
lend
ar d
ays]
Off
er h
earin
gRefer to G
ive
choi
ce o
f A
ltern
ativ
e D
ispu
te
Reso
lutio
n/M
edia
tion
Adm
inis
trat
or in
itiat
es p
roce
dure
fo
r di
scon
tinua
tion
of s
ervi
ces
Reco
rd r
efer
ral o
n Lo
g Sh
eet
Not
ify c
ompl
aina
nt a
nd L
ocal
O
ffice
of
resu
lt/re
ferr
al
CareerCenter-RelatedNon-MSFW x x 30 x x x xMSFW x x 20 x xWIA-related x x 60 x x x xNon-CareerCenter-RelatedNon-MSFW x x 30 U.S.DOLRegion1ETA x xMSFW x x 20 OSHAorU.S.DOL x xH-2A x x U.S.DOLWage&Hour x xVeteranorEligibleSpouse (includesUSERRA)
U.S.DOLRegionalDirector Veterans’ Employment Training Service
x x
Discriminationx 90*
Complainantmayfilewith Civil Rights Center U.S.DOL
x** x
Employer found to have violated employment law (referred to enforcement agency)
x x x x x
Employer found to have violated employment law (NOT referred to enforcement agency)
x x 20 x x x x
Against MDOL x x 20 x Administrative Hearings x**Complainant my appeal State decision to CRC .
How to Handle Complaints at State Level
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 16
ETA Form 8429
ETA 8429 Revised 11/25/2008
Expiration Date: 02/29/2012
One Stop Career Center (OSCC) Complaint/ U.S. Department of Labor Referral Record Employment and Training Administration For OSCC Use Only OMB Approval No. 12050039
Expiration Date: 02/29/2012 Complaint No.
Date Received
Part I. Complainant’s Information Respondent’s Information 1. Name of Complainant (Last, First, Middle Initial) 4. Name of Person Complaint Made Against
2a. Permanent Address (No., St., City, State, ZIP Code) 5. Name of Employer/OSCC Office
b. Temporary Address (if Appropriate) 6. Address of Employer/OSCC Office
3a. Permanent Telephone ( )
b. Temporary Telephone ( )
7. Telephone Number of Employer/OSCC Office ( )
8. Description of Complaint (If additional space is needed, use separate sheet(s) of paper and attach to this form)
I CERTIFY that the information furnished is true and accurately stated to the best of my knowledge. I AUTHORIZE the disclosure of Certification this information to other enforcement agencies for the proper investigation of my complaint. I UNDERSTAND that my identity will
be kept confidential to the maximum extent possible, consistent with applicable law and a fair determination of my complaint. 9. Signature of Complainant 10. Date Signed
/ / Part II. For OSCC Use Only 1. Migrant or Seasonal Farmworker?
Yes No 2. Type of Complaint (“X” Appropriate Box(es))
WIA Related Job Order No. Against Job Service Against Employer Alleged Violation of WIA Regulations Alleged Violation of Employment Law(s)
NonWIA Related
3. If nonWIArelated, does Complaint concern laws enforced by U.S. Employment Standards Administration (Wage and Hour) or OSHA? Yes No
4. Kind of complaint (“X” Appropriate Box(es)) Wage Related Housing Child Labor Pesticides Working Conditions Health/Safety Migrant and Season Disability Agricultural Worker Discrimination Protection Act (MSPA)
Discrimination* Other (Specify)
5. H2a/Criteria Employer U.S./Domestic Worker
H2a Worker
Wages Transportation
Meals Housing Other
6. *For DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS ONLY. Persons wishing to file complaints of discrimination may file either with the State Workforce Agency, or with the Directorate of Civil Rights (DCR), U. S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N4123, Washington, D.C. 20210.
7a. Referrals To Other Agencies (“X” one) Wage & Hour ESA/U.S. DOL. OSHA Other
b. FollowUp (“X” one) Monthly Yes No Quarterly
c. Followup Date / /
8. Address of Referral Agency (No., St., City, State, ZIP Code and Telephone No.)
( )
9. Comments (If additional space is needed, use separate sheet of paper) Provide OSCC Services? Yes No If “No”, explain.
10a. Name and Title of Person Receiving Complaint 11. Office Address (No., St., City, State, ZIP Code)
b. Phone No. ( )
12a. Signature b. Date / /
Public Burden Statement Persons are not required to respond to this collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. Obligation to reply is required to obtain or retain benefits (44 USC 5301). Public reporting burden for this collection is estimated to average 8 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed, and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Program, Room S4209, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210.
[Sample form only. Find usable form in Appendix B]
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 17
Completion of ETA Form 8429
“For OSCC Use Only” section (at top of form)
The CareerCenter Manager, or their designee, is required to complete this section. This information should correspond to the information entered on the Quarterly Log.
Part I (Complainant’s Information)
1. Lines 1 – 7 Thissectionshouldbefilledouteitherbythecomplainantorthestaffpersonreceivingthecomplaint.
2. Line 8 (Description of Complaint) TheComplainantmustdescribethecomplaint,indicatingtheexpectedresults.Ifthecomplainantisunabletofilloutthissectionandassistanceisgiven,thestatementshouldbewritteninthefirstperson. Anadditionalsheetofpapershouldbeprovidedifextraspaceisnecessary.Additionalsheetsaretobeidentifiedwiththenameandsignatureofthecomplainant.Toensurethatnofurthercommentsareaddedtotheoriginalstatement,adiagonallineshouldbedrawnfromthelastwordofthestatement to the end of the page .
3. Line 9 (Signature of Complainant) Forlocalresolution,thecomplainantdoesnothavetosign.However,theformmustbesignedbyatleastonecomplainantforthecomplainttobereferredtoahigherlevel.Ifthecomplainantrefusestodoso,astatementbytheCareerCenterofficialtakingthecomplaintwillbewrittentothiseffect.Thecomplainantwillbefurtheradvised,inwritingbytheCareerCenterManager,thatsincehe/sherefusestosignthecomplaint,nofurtheractioncanbetakenonthecomplaint(seesampleletterinAppendixC–RequestforComplainant’sSignature).Thecomplainant’ssignatureshouldbeoneachadditional sheet used for line 8 (Description of Complaint) .
Part II (For OSCC Use Only)
1. The CareerCenter Manager, or their designee, is required to complete lines 1 through 5. This information should correspond to the information entered on the Quarterly Log.
2. Lines 7 through 9 should be completely if the complaint cannot be handled locally.
3. The person taking the complaint must sign and complete lines 10 through 12 of this form.
4. Make four copies of completed and signed form:
• OriginalandonecopyshallbekeptinthelocalCareerCentercomplaintfile.
• Onecopyshallbegiventothecomplainant.
• OnecopyshallbesenttotheStateComplaintResolutionAdministratororotherreferredagencywith copies of all other documents related to that claim .
– FormsforlocallyresolvedcomplaintswillbeforwardedtotheStateComplaintResolutionAdministratoratthetimeofQuarterlyLogsubmission.
– FormsforcomplaintsnotresolvedatthelocallevelmustbeforwardedtotheStateComplaintResolution Administrator immediately upon determination .
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 18
Complaint Resolution
A CareerCenter-related complaint is considered resolved when any of the following occurs:
• The complainant indicates satisfaction with the outcome .
• Thecomplainantorthecomplainant’sauthorizedrepresentativefailstorespondwithin20workingdays[orincaseswherethecomplainantisaMSFW,40workingdays]ofawrittenrequestforinformationbytheappropriatelocalorStateoffice.
• Thecomplaintexhauststhefinallevelofreview.
• Afinaldeterminationhasbeenmadebytheenforcementagencytowhichthecomplaintwasreferred .
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 19
Specific CareerCenter-Related Programs and ServicesCertain CareerCenter-related programs and services have complaint processes that differ from the standard CareerCenter customer complaint resolution process. This section contains background information and supportive documents for the following programs and services:
• PriorityofServiceforVeteransandEligibleSpouses
• Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers (MSFW)
• H-2A Programs
• Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)
• Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP)
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 20
Veterans Services
Priority of Service for Veterans and Eligible Spouses
Veteransandeligiblespousesaregiven“priorityofservice”forthereceiptofemployment,training,andplacementservicesprovidedunderallU.S.DepartmentofLabor-fundedprograms.Veteransandeligiblespousesareentitledtopreferenceforsuchservices.Thismeansthataveteranoreligiblespouseeitherreceivesaccesstoaserviceearlierthanothersor,ifresourcesarelimited,theveteranoreligiblespouse receives access to the service instead of others .
Aveteranoreligiblespouseshouldidentifyhimself/herselfassuchwheninquiringaboutanyDepartmentofLaborprogram.Bydoingso,theywillbeabletotakefulladvantageofthispriority.
A Veteran is defined as: Apersonwhoservedatleast180daysintheactivemilitary,andwhowasdischargedorreleasedunderconditionsotherthandishonorable,asspecifiedin38U.S.C.101(2).Activeserviceincludesfull-timeFederalserviceintheNationalGuardoraReserveComponent.Thedefinitionof“activeservice”doesnotincludefull-timedutyperformedstrictlyfortrainingpurposes(i.e.,thatwhichisreferredtoas“weekend”or“annual”training),nordoesitincludefull-timeactivedutyperformedbyNationalGuardpersonnelwhoaremobilizedbyStateratherthanFederalauthorities.
An Eligible Spouse is defined as: Asdefinedin38U.S.C.4215(a),meansthespouseofanyofthefollowing:
1 . AnyVeteranwhodiedofaservice-connecteddisability
2 . AnymemberoftheArmedForcesservingonactivedutywho,atthetimeofapplicationforthepriority,islistedinoneormoreofthefollowingcategoriesandhasbeensolistedforatotalofmorethan90days:
• Missing in action
• Capturedinthelineofdutybyahostileforce
• Forciblydetainedorinternedinthelineofdutybyaforeigngovernmentorpower
3 . AnyVeteranwhohasatotaldisabilityresultingfromaservice-connected,asevaluatedbytheDepartment of Veterans Affairs .
Complaints by a veteran or eligible spouse alleging violations of the priority of service provisions should be filed with their local CareerCenter representative.
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 21
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)
USERRAcoversvirtuallyeveryindividualinthecountrywhoservesinorhasservedintheuniformedservicesandappliestoallemployersinthepublicandprivatesectors,includingFederalemployers.Thelawseekstoensurethatthosewhoservetheircountrycanretaintheircivilianemploymentandbenefits,andcanseekemploymentfreefromdiscriminationbecauseoftheirservice.USERRAprovidesprotectionfordisabledveterans,requiringemployerstomakereasonableeffortstoaccommodatethedisability.
USERRAisadministeredbytheUnitedStatesDepartmentofLabor,throughtheVeterans’Employmentand Training Service (VETS) . VETS provides assistance to those persons experiencing service connected problemswiththeircivilianemploymentandprovidesinformationabouttheActtoemployers.
ContactinformationforVETScanbefoundintheFederalAgenciessectionofAppendixA.
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 22
H-2A Programs
Immigration and Nationality Act
TheImmigrationandNationalityAct(INA)wascreatedin1952.BeforetheINA,avarietyofstatutesgovernedimmigrationlawbutwerenotorganizedinonelocation.TheMcCarran-Walterbillof1952,PublicLawNo.82-414,collectedandcodifiedmanyexistingprovisionsandreorganizedthestructureofimmigrationlaw.TheActhasbeenamendedmanytimesovertheyears,butisstillthebasicbodyofimmigration law .
TheINAisdividedintotitles,chapters,andsections.Althoughitstandsaloneasabodyoflaw,theActisalsocontainedintheUnitedStatesCode(U.S.C.).ThecodeisacollectionofallthelawsoftheUnitedStates.Itisarrangedinfiftysubjecttitlesbygeneralalphabeticorder.Title8oftheU.S.Codeisbutoneofthefiftytitlesanddealswith“AliensandNationality.”WhenbrowsingtheINAorotherstatutesyouwilloftenseereferencedtotheU.S.Codecitation.Forexample,Section208oftheINAdealswithasylum,andisalsocontainedin8U.S.C.1158.AlthoughitiscorrecttorefertoaspecificsectionbyeitheritsINAcitationoritsU.S.code,theINAcitationismorecommonlyused.
Who is Covered
Theworktobeperformedmustbe“ofatemporary(orseasonal)nature,”meaningemploymentthatisperformedduringcertainseasonsoftheyear,usuallyinrelationtotheproductionand/orharvestingofa crop or for a limited time period of less than one year when an employer can show that the need for the foreign workers is truly temporary .
Note: Foreign workers employed under the H-2A Programs are not covered under the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act.
Basic Provisions/Requirements
• TheH-2AtemporaryagriculturalprogramestablishesameansforagriculturalemployerswhoanticipateashortageofdomesticworkerstobringnonimmigrantforeignworkerstotheU.S.toperformagriculturallabororservicesofatemporaryorseasonalnature.
• BeforetheU.S.CitizenshipandImmigrationServicescanapproveanemployer’spetitionforsuchworkers,theemployermustfileanapplicationwiththedepartmentstatingthattherearenotsufficientworkerswhoareable,willing,qualified,andavailable,andthattheemploymentofalienswillnotadverselyaffectthewagesandworkingconditionsofsimilarlyemployedU.S.workers.
• ThestatuteandU.S.DepartmentofLaborregulationsprovidefornumerousworkerprotectionsand employer requirements with respect to wages and working conditions that do not apply to nonagriculturalprograms.Thedepartment’sWageandHourDivisionhasresponsibilityforenforcingprovisions of worker contracts .
• TheDepartmentofLabor’sregulationsgoverningtheH-2AProgramalsoapplytotheemploymentofU.S.workersbyanemployerofH-2AworkersinanyworkincludedintheETA-approvedjoborderorinanyagriculturalworkperformedbytheH-2Aworkersduringtheperiodofthejoborder.
• EmployersmustofferU.S.workerstermsandworkingconditionswhicharenotlessfavorablethanthose offered to H-2A workers .
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 23
Employee Rights
AnemployerwhofilesanapplicationfortemporaryforeignlaborcertificationpursuanttoH-2Aregulationsmustmeetspecificconditions,includingthoseconcerningrecruitment,wages,housing,meals,transportation,workers’compensationinsurance,toolsandsupplies,certificationfees,labordisputes,andother conditions .
WorkerswhobelievethattheirrightswereviolatedundertheH-2Aregulationsmayfiletheircomplaintsthrough the CareerCenter Complaint System .
H-2AworkersandtheU.S.workershiredunderthejobordersystemmustfilecomplaintsaboutnon-compliancewithH-2AlaborstandardswiththeForeignLaborCertificationSpecialist.AcomplaintthatcomesintotheStateofficewillbeforwardedforappropriateaction.
Poster
PosterslistingH-2AworkerrightscanbefoundinAppendixDorprintedoffinEnglishfrom www.dol.gov/whd/posters/pdf/WHD1491Eng_H2A.pdf .
TheSpanishversioncanbeprintedofffrom www.dol.gov/whd/posters/pdf/WHD1491Span_H2A.pdf .
Important Notice
AllprogramusersandotherinterestedpartiesshouldfrequentlyconsulttheOfficeofForeignLaborCertificationwebsitewww.foreignlaborcert.doleta.govwheretheDepartmentofLaborwillpostupdatesconcerningtheH-2Atemporaryagriculturallaborcertificationprogram.
Filing a Complaint
H-2A workers and U.S. workers hired under the job order may file complaints about non-compliance with H-2A labor standards with:
ForeignLaborCertification MaineDept.ofLabor 55 State House Station Augusta,ME04333-0055 207-623-7981
If complaints are not resolved at the State level, they are referred to:
ManchesterAreaOffice U.S.Dept.ofLabor Wage&HourDivision 1750ElmStreet,Suite111 Manchester,NH03104-2907 603-666-7716 or 1-866-487-9243
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 24
Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers
Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers (MSFWs) are defined as:
Seasonal Farm Worker Works 25 or more days in farm work50% or more of annual earnings are from farm work
Migrant Farm Worker Works 25 or more days in farm work50% or more of annual earnings are from farm workHasjob-relatedtravelUnabletoreturnhomethesameday
Migrant Food Processing Worker Works 25 or more days in food processing work50% or more of annual earnings from farm workHasjob-relatedtravelUnabletoreturnhomethesameday
States are required to ensure that the services provided to Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers are “qualitativelyequivalentandquantitativelyproportionate”totheservicesprovidedtootherjobseekers.ThismeansthatMSFWsshouldreceiveallworkforcedevelopmentservices,benefits,andprotectionsonanequitableandnon-discriminatorybasis(i.e.,careerguidance,testing,jobdevelopment,training,andjobreferral).
Complaints from Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers
Complaintsallegingviolationsofemployment-relatedlawsareenforcedbythe Wage and Hour Division, U.S. DOL or OSHAandshallbetakeninwritingbytheCareerCenterandreferredtoWageand Hour Division or OSHA . Source: 658.414 and 658.422
Wage and Hour Division-related violations are thosedealingwithwages,hoursworked,MigrantandSeasonalAgriculturalWorkerProtectionAct,and temporary foreign farm workers .
OSHA violations are those related to on-the-job safety.
U.S.DepartmentofLabor Wage and Hour Division 66PearlStreet,Room324 Portland,ME04101 207-780-3344
U.S.DepartmentofLabor Occupational Safety and Health Administration JFKFederalBuilding,RoomE340 Boston,MA02203 617-565-9860,Fax:617-565-9827
IfthecomplaintisnotresolvedlocallyattheCareerCenterwithinfivedays,complainantshouldsigntheETAForm8429.TheformandanyadditionaldocumentationshouldbeforwardedtotheStateMonitorAdvocate for resolution and recorded on the Log Sheet .
TheStateMonitorAdvocate’sresponsibilityistoensurethatalllegalprotectionsareaffordedtofarmworkers and that their complaints are promptly resolved .
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 25
Apparent Violation
Anapparentviolationisanallegationmadebyadepartmentemployeewhoobserves,hasreasontobelieve,orisinreceiptofinformationregardingsuspectedviolationofemployment-relatedlaws,orEmploymentService(ES)regulationsbyanemployeronlyinvolvingamigrantandseasonalfarmworker.
Field Check Violation
Afieldcheckviolationistheobservation,orreceiptofinformation,orotherwiseareasontobelievebyadepartmentemployeethatconditionsarenotasstatedinthejoborder(maybeH-2Arelated),orthatanemployerisviolatinganemployment-relatedlawarisingfromafieldcheckatanagriculturalworksite .
Processing Violations
Source:20 CFR 653.113
1 . IfaStateAgencyemployeeobserves,hasreasontobelieve,orisinreceiptofinformationregardingasuspectedviolationofemploymentrelatedlawsorESregulationsbyanemployer,exceptasprovidedat20CFR653.503(fieldchecksofH-2Aorders)or20CFR658.400(complaintsasreferredtointhismanual),theemployeeshalldocumentthesuspectedviolationandreferthisinformationtothelocalofficemanager.
2 . IftheemployerhasfiledajoborderwithMaine’sJobBankwithinthepast12months,thelocalofficeshallattemptinformalresolution.Iftheemployerdoesnotremedythesuspectedviolationwithinfiveworkingdays,proceduresatpart658.subpartF(DiscontinuationofServices)shallbeinitiatedbytheStateComplaintResolutionAdministratorand,ifaviolationofanemployment-relatedlawisinvolved,theviolationshallbereferredtotheappropriateenforcementagencyinwriting.
3 . IftheemployerhasnotfiledajoborderwithMaine’sJobBankduringthepast12months,thesuspectedviolationofanemployment-relatedlawshallbereferredtoeithertheComplaintResolution Administrator or the MSFW State Monitor Advocate who will forward it to the appropriate enforcement agency in writing .
Using the Apparent of Field Check Violation Form
UseofthisformisprimarilylimitedtoForeignLaborCertificationorMigrantandSeasonalFarmworkerStateMonitorAdvocatestaff.Therefore,contentontheuseofthisformisforinformationalpurposesonly.However,theApparentViolationformneednotberestrictedtoMSFWorH-2Aprograms.ApparentViolationcanbefromobservationsbyMDOLstaffintheCareerCenter,andemployerservicesrepresentative,oranoutreachworker.PleasecontacttheComplaintResolutionAdministratorortheStateMonitor Advocate with questions .
Apparent or Field Check Violation
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 26
Apparent or Field Check Violation Form [Sample form only. Find usable form in Appendix B]
APPARENT or FIELD CHECK VIOLATION FORM
Apparent violation is an allegation made by a department employee who observes, has reason to believe, or is in receipt of information regarding a suspected violation of employment related laws, or Employment Service (ES) regulations by an employer only involving a migrant seasonal farm worker.
Field check violation is the observation, or receipt of information, or otherwise a reason to believe by a department employee that conditions are not as stated in the job order, or that an employer is violating an employment related law arising from a field check at an agricultural work site.
In addition to the employer’s name, address and phone number, to the extent possible, please include addresses and phone numbers of any persons involved in or able to corroborate the information alleged in the apparent violation.
A. Employer:
B. Employer’s Address and Telephone Number (include e-mail address, if available):
C. Source of Information (customer, outreach, consultant observation, telephone call, field check, etc):
D. Indicate what happened &/or describe the situation:
E. Identify and attach all documentation and related materials:
VIOLATION1. a. Does this employer have a current listing with Maine
Department of Labor? N0 YES b. Has this employer had a listing with Maine Department of
Labor within the last 12 months? N0 YES
c. Does the current situation suggest violations of the job listing?
d. Does the current situation suggest violations of Employment Service regulations?
e. Does the current situation suggest violations of employment related laws?
N0 YES
N0 YES
N0 YES
2. If 1.a. is NO check the Non ES related box
If 1.a. or, 1.b. and 1.c. are BOTH YES, check the ES- Related box
NO – Non ES-Related YES – ES-Related
3. Does the violation involve a Migrant Seasonal Farm Worker (MSFW)? Non-MSFW MSFW
4. Indicate all the issues involved and/or alleged:
Wages- Field Sanitation- Health/Safety- Child Labor- Migrant Seasonal Protection Act- State FLC license- Other - :
Date Received: ______________________________
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 272
5. Does the complaint involve Temporary Labor Certification, Agricultural (H2A) or other workers? Indicate which: H2A Worker H2A Employer ________Other Worker _______Other Employer
If H2A related, please indicate all of the issues involved and/or alleged: Transportation- Housing- Wages- H2A Job Listing Assurances- Meals- Working Conditions- Other-
NOTE: Apparent or field check violations alleging unlawful discrimination are to be forwarded immediately to the State Equal Opportunity Officer (c/o Labor Complaint Specialist).
E. Was the apparent violation or field check violation resolved by the local office? N0 YES Indicate actions taken at local office- include a summary of actions taken, attempts to resolve the violation and comments or recommendations that may assist in the investigation and contribute to the agency determination of the apparent violation or field check violation:
Referral made to:
State Wage and Hour
State Monitor Advocate
State EO Officer Federal Wage & Hour OSHA Federal ETA
Anne L. Harriman, Director Wage and Hour Division Maine Department of Labor 45 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333 207-623-7926
Juan Perez-Febles Bureau of Employment Services Maine Department of Labor 55 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0055 207-623-7929 or 207-446-9081 [email protected]
Michaela Loisel SESC108 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0108 207-623-6735 TTI: 800-794-1110 [email protected]
Urgent Note: If Migrant Seasonal Farmworkers are involved and the complaint involves laws enforced by Federal Wage & Hour, such as farm labor contractor, field sanitation, housing or transportation laws, immediately refer all documentation by fax orelectronic copy with transmittal or e-mail cover to the Federal Wage & Hour office in:
George Rioux Manchester Area OfficeUS Dept. of Labor Wage & Hour Division 1750 Elm Street, Suite 111 Manchester, NH 03104-2907 603-666-7716 1-866-4-USWAGE (1-866-487-9243)
William J. Coffin Augusta Area Director Occupational Safety & Health Administration John F. Kennedy Federal Building, Room E340 Boston, MA 02203 617-565-9860
George Kincannon Regional Monitor Advocate JFK Federal Building Room E-350 Boston, MA 02203 Tel: 617-788-0135 Fax: 617-788-0125
Name and Title of Maine Department of Labor Employee:
Local Office and Phone Number:
Signature Date Signed:
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 28
Trade Adjustment Assistance
The CareerCenter Case Manager shall notify the individual in writing of any decision as to entitlements fortheTradeAdjustmentAssistance(TAA)program,including,butnotlimitedto,decisionswithrespecttoeligibilityforservices,subsistence,transportation,re-employmentservicesandallowances.EachdecisionshallinformtheindividualofthereasonforthedecisionandoftherightofappealundertheapplicableMainelaw.Theindividualshallhave15daysfromthedateofthedecisiontofileawrittenappeal,usingETAForm8429,withtheBESCareerCenterManager.Ifnoappealisfiled,thedecisionshallbecomefinalagencyaction.
1 . Iftheindividualappealsadecision,theBESCareerCenterManagershallforwardthenoticeofappeal and all other documentation regarding the decision to the TAA Coordinator at BES . The TAA Coordinatorshallreviewthedocumentationandinvestigatethefindingscontainedinthedecision.TheTAACoordinatorshallhavetheauthoritytoreverse,modifyortakeotherappropriateactionregardingthedecision.IftheTAACoordinatordetermines,afterinvestigation,totakenoaction,he/sheshallimmediatelyprovidethenoticeofappeal,alongwithallappropriatedocumentationtoaBESrepresentative,whoshalltracktherequestforappealandforwardalldocumentationtotheDivision of Administrative Hearings .
2 . Theindividualandallpartiesshallbenotifiedinwritingofthedateandtimeofhearing,whichmaybeconductedbytelephone.AhearingshallbeconductedbeforeanAdministrativeHearingOfficer,who shall render a written decision .
3 . IfapartyisdissatisfiedwiththedecisionoftheAdministrativeHearingOfficer,he/sheshallhavetherighttoappealinwritingwithin15daystotheUnemploymentInsuranceCommission.Ifahearingisheld,thepartiesshallbenotifiedinwritingofthedateandtimeofsuchhearing,whichmaybeconductedbytelephone.ThepartiesshallreceivewrittennoticeoftheCommission’sdecision.
4 . IfapartyisdissatisfiedwiththedecisionoftheCommission,he/shemayrequesttheCommissiontoreconsideritsdecision,butonlyifsuchrequestforreconsiderationisfiledinwritingwithin10daysofreceiptoftheoriginalCommissiondecision.UnlessaninterestedpartyappearsatthehearingbeforetheDivisionofAdministrativeHearingsorattheCommissionhearing,ifonewasheld,heorshemaynotrequestreconsiderationoftheCommissiondecision,unlesssuchnonappearancewasforgoodcauseasdeterminedbytheCommission.
5 . WhentheperiodduringwhichanappealmaybefiledunderthisChapterendsonaSaturday,Sundayorholiday,theappealperiodshallendonthenextdaywhichisnotaSaturday,Sundayorholidayiftheappealisfiledbydeliveryandisreceivedin-handbytheagency.Iftheappealiffiledbymailing,however,theappealperiodwillnotbeextended,andtheappealmustbepostmarkedwithinthestatutoryappealperiod,unlesstheappealperiodfallsonaSundayoraholiday,inwhichcasetheappealperiodwillbeextendeduntilthenextdaywhichisnotaSundayorholiday.
6 . AnydecisionoftheCommissionbecomesfinal10daysafterreceiptofwrittennotificationandanypersonaggrievedbythedecisionmayappealbycommencinganactionpursuanttotheMaineAdministrative Procedure Act .
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 29
Competitive Skills Scholarship Program
Appeal to CSSP Program Manager AnapplicantorparticipantwhoisdissatisfiedwithaCareerCenter’sdecisionrelatedtotheeligibilityforortheprovisionofCSSPserviceshastherighttofileawrittenappealwiththeCSSPProgramManagerwithin30daysofthedecision.Thiswrittenappealmaytakeanyform,suchasasignedletter,emailorfax.Ifthecustomerfilesawrittenappealwithin10daysofadecisiontoterminatetheparticipantfromthe program or terminate or reduce assistance provided for in a currently effective Individual Service Strategy,thenthedecisionwillnotbeimplementedpendingtheoutcomeoftheadministrativeappealprocess.TheCSSPProgramManagerwillissueawrittendecisionwithin15daysofthefilingoftheappeal.Thedecisionmayreflectanagreedresolutiontotheappealor,ifnoagreedresolutionwasreached,itwillreflecttheCSSPProgramManager’sdecision.
Appeal of CSSP Program Manager’s DecisionThecustomermayappealtheCSSPProgramManager’sdecisionbyfilingawrittenrequestforahearingbyahearingofficer.TherequestmustbefiledwiththeProgramManagerwithin30daysofthedateofissuanceoftheCSSPProgramManager’sDecision.The30-dayappealperiodmaybeextendedupto15 additional days if the individual can show good cause for failing to appeal within the initial 30-day period.Uponreceivingarequestforahearing,theProgramManagershallforwardit,togetherwithacopyofthedecisionbeingappealed,tothehearingauthoritydesignatedbytheDepartment.
TheAdministrativeHearingOfficershallconductahearinginaccordancetheMaineAdministrativeProceduresAct5M.R.S.A.ch.375,subchapter2andrenderadecisionwithin30daysofthehearingrequest.TheHearingOfficermayaffirm,setaside,modifyorremandtheCSSPProgramManager’sdecision.Ahearingdecisionaffirming,settingasideormodifyingtheCSSPProgramManager’sdecisionpursuanttothissectionisfinalagencyactionandmaybeappealedtotheSuperiorCourt.
NoticesAlldecisionsregardingeligibilityforCSSPorregardingthebenefitsprovidedunderCSSP,includingtheISS,mustbeinwritingandmustprovidenoticetotheparticipantofhisorherrighttoappealtotheProgramManager,andifdissatisfiedwiththatdecision,toappealbyrequestingafairhearing.CareerCenterstaffshallassistcustomerswhoexpressadesiretofileanappealorhearingrequestwiththe process .
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 31
Referred ComplaintsSome complaints must be referred immediately to other agencies. This section contains background information and supportive documents concerning complaints involving the following topics:
• DepartmentofLaborPersonnel
• Discrimination
• AmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA)
• WageandHourDivision,BureauofLaborStandards
• DivisionofVocationalRehabilitation,BureauofRehabilitationServices
• DivisionoftheBlindandVisuallyImpaired,BureauofRehabilitationServices
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 32
Department of Labor Personnel
State of Maine, Department of Labor Policy No. 008 Source: PL 2003, Chapter 230
PurposeArelationshipoftrustandconfidencebetweenemployeesoftheMaineDepartmentofLaborandthecommunities that they serve is essential to the effective operation of state government . Department employeesmustbefreetoexercisetheirbestjudgmentintheperformanceoftheirduties.Departmentemployeesalsohaveaspecialobligationtorespecttherightsofallpersons.TheDepartmentofLaboracknowledgesitsresponsibilitytoestablishacomplaintsystemandproceduresthatnotonlywillsubjectDepartmentofLaboremployeestocorrectiveactionwhenimproperconducthasoccurred,butwillalsoprotectDepartmentofLaboremployeesfromunwarrantedorspuriouscriticismwhentheydischargetheirdutiesproperly.Thepurposeoftheseproceduresistoprovideprompt,just,andopendispositionofcomplaintsregardingtheconductofDepartmentofLaboremployees.
ItisthepolicyoftheDepartmentofLabortoencouragethepublictocommentwhentheconductoftheemployeeisbelievedtobeimproper.TheDepartmentofLaborwillmakeeveryefforttoensurethatnoadverseconsequencesoccurtoanypersonorwitnessasaresultofhavingbroughtacomplaintorforprovidinginformationconcerningacomplaint.AnyDepartmentofLaboremployeewhosubjectsacomplainantorwitnesstosuchrecriminationwillbesubjecttoappropriatedisciplinaryaction.
Procedure1 . TheDepartmentofLaborencouragesthepublictobringforwardlegitimatecomplaintsregarding
misconductbyitsemployees.Tothisend,acopyof“HowtoFileaPersonnelComplaint”willbepostedatDepartmentworksitesandondepartmentwebsitesandwillbegiventoanyonerequestingthisinformation.AcopyofthisdocumentcanbefoundinAppendixD.Complaints,regardlessofnature,canbelodgedinperson,bymail,orbytelephone.
2 . AnyemployeeoftheDepartmentofLaborwhoreceivesacomplaintaboutaDepartmentemployeeshall,assoonaspracticable,notifytheCommissioner’sOffice,ofthedetailsofthecomplaintforevaluation and assignment .
3 . Uponreceiptofacomplaint,theCommissioner’sOfficeshalldeterminewhetherthecomplaintshouldbeinvestigatedandbywhom.ComplaintsofcriminalconductshouldbeforwardedtotheBureauofEmployeeRelationsand/ortheAttorneyGeneral’sOfficetoensurecooperationwithappropriatelaw enforcement authorities .
4 . Complainantsshallbemadeawarethatitmaybeimpossibletokeeptheiridentityconfidential.
5 . Investigationsofcomplaintsshallbecompletedwithin15days.
6 . Intheeventareportiswarranted,allrelevantinformationobtainedbytheinvestigatorshallbeincluded .
7 . Allinvestigationsshallcomplywiththeprovisionsoftheapplicablecollectivebargainingagreement.
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Notification to the ComplainantUponfinaldisposition,thecomplainantwillbenotifiedoftheoutcomeoftheinvestigationtotheextentpermittedbycivilserviceandagencyconfidentialitylaws.TheCommissioner’sOfficewillconsultwiththeBureauofEmployeeRelationstodeterminewhatmaybedisclosedtothecomplainant.
Administrative ResponsibilitiesTheOfficeoftheCommissionershallensurethat:
• Each complaint and corresponding investigation is documented .
• An annual summary report is prepared for each Bureau Director that includes statistical data that will aidinidentifyingthepossibleneedfortraining,supervision,orotherpertinentissues.
Ifacustomerwishestomakeacomplaintabouttheactionsofanyemployee/employeesoftheDepartmentofLaborhe/sheshouldcontacttheOfficeoftheCommissioneroftheMaineDepartmentofLaborbyphone,mailoremail.
Thecomplainantmustidentifyhim/herself,providecontactinformationandcontainspecificdetailsaboutthecomplaint.Thereceiptofthecomplaintwillbeformallyacknowledgedinwritingorbyphoneandthecomplaintwillthenbeinvestigatedandprocessedasexpeditiouslyaspossible.Thecomplainantmaybecontactedtoprovideadditionalinformationaboutthecomplaint.
Whentheinvestigationofthecomplainthasbeencompleted,he/shewillreceiveawrittenexplanationofthefinaldispositionofthematter,withinthelimitsofconfidentialitylaws.
Office of the Commissioner MaineDepartmentofLabor 54 Statehouse Station Augusta,ME04333-0054 207-621-5095
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Discrimination
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and regulations of 29 CFR Part 37 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998statethatnopersonintheUnitedStatesshall,onthegroundsofrace,color,ornationalorigin,beexcludedfromparticipationin,bedeniedthebenefitsof,orbeotherwisesubjectedtodiscriminationunderanyprogramoractivityreceivingfederalfinancialassistancefromtheDepartmentofLabor.
CareerCentersareprohibitedfromdiscriminatingagainstmembersofthepublic,applicantsforservices,registrants,participants,claimants,applicantsforemploymentandemployeesonthebasisofrace, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief.Inaddition,itisprohibitedtodiscriminateagainstanyindividualorbeneficiaryofWIAprogramsbasedonthebeneficiary’s citizenship statusasalawfullyadmittedimmigrantauthorizedtoworkintheUnitedStates.Finally,itisprohibitedtodiscriminateagainstanyindividualorbeneficiaryofWIAprogramsbasedonhisorherparticipation of any WIA Title I financially assisted program or activity .
Time Frames
Acomplainanthasarighttofileacomplaintwithin180daysoftheallegedact(s)ofdiscrimination.
Where to file
Local Level: EOOfficial(SeeMasterPersonnelListinAppendixA) or MaineDepartmentofLaborEOCoordinatorand/orMHRC
National Level: U.S.DOLCivilRightsCenter Director,RoomN4123 200 Constitution Avenue NW Washington,DC20210
Therecipientofacomplaint,whichmayinthisinstancemeanthelocalEOOfficer,MDOLEOCoordinator or MHRC must issue a written Notice of Final Action on discrimination complaint within 90daysofthedateonwhichthecomplaintisfiled.ThecomplainantmayfileactionagainwiththeCRCifhe/sheisdissatisfiedwiththeNoticeofFinalActionorifaNoticeofFinalActionisnotissuedwithinthe90-dayperiod.Inthisregard,thecomplainanthas30daysfromthedateoftheNoticeofFinalActionorfromtheendofthe90daystofilewithCRC.OnlytheUSDOL-CRChastheauthoritytoacceptcomplaintsfiledbeyondthe30daysdiscussedabove.TheCRCmayextendthistimelimitiftheNoticeofFinalActiondidnotprovidecompletefilinginstructionsorforothergoodcauseshownbythecomplainant.ThesameauthorityrestswiththeCRCwhenacomplaintisfiledbeyondtheabove-mentioned 180-day period .
Poster TheEOnotice,“EqualOpportunityistheLaw”providescomplainantswithbasicinstructionsonfilingcomplaintsofdiscrimination.ThispostercanbefoundinAppendixD.
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 35
Processing Discrimination Complaints
1 . WhenanyonealertstheCareerCenterthathe/she(orthey)wantstofileadiscriminationcomplaint,stepsshouldbetakentoconnectthecomplainantwiththelocalEOOfficer.IfthelocalEOOfficerisnotavailableimmediately,theManagershouldarrangeaface-to-facemeetingwiththecomplainantandlocalEOOfficerattheearliestpossibledate.TheManagershouldcontacttheMDOLEOCoordinatoriftheEOOfficerwillnotbeavailableforanextendedperiod.
2 . Inallpossibleinstances,thelocalEOOfficershouldmeetpersonallywiththecomplainant(s)inaprivatearea,ensuringconfidentiality.
3 . Atthismeeting,theEOOfficershouldexplaintheprocessandifthecomplainantintendstofileaformalcomplaint,providethecomplainantwithacopyoftheUSDOLCivilRightsCenterComplaintInformation Form DL 1-2014a found in Appendix B .
4 . IfthecomplainantdoesnotcompletetheComplaintInformationFormduringthismeeting,EOOfficershouldobtainthefollowinginformationataminimum:
• Complainant’saddressandmeansforcontactinghim/her/them
• Basis of complaint
• Detailed description of allegation(s)
• Dates of alleged events of discrimination
• Representativeandentityorprogramagainstwhichcomplaintisbeingfiled(respondent)
• Address or town location or entity or program
• Signed consent statement
5 . Oncetheinformationisgathered,thedocumentshouldbesignedanddatedbythecomplainantorthecomplainant’sauthorizedrepresentative.Thesigned/datedconsentstatementshouldindicatethatthecomplainantallowsthelocalEOOfficertodisclosethecomplainant’sidentityifnecessarytoinvestigatehis/hercomplaint.Inaddition,acopyofthewrittencomplaintwillbeprovided to the complainant and to the MDOL EO Coordinator .
6 . Oncethecomplainthasbeenfiledandreceived,thelocalEOOfficershouldaskthecomplainantwhetherhe/shewouldpreferthecomplaintprocessedthrough:
• AlternativeDisputeResolution/Mediation(ADR)
• InvestigationbythelocalEOOfficer,MDOLEOCoordinatororMHRC
• InvestigationbytheU.S.DOLCivilRightsCenterinWashington,D.C.(ThefulladdressappearsontheEONotice,“EqualOpportunityistheLaw.”)
• Thecomplainantshouldindicatehis/herdecisiononthesignedcomplaintdocument.ThecomplainantmustbeinformedthatifADRfails,thecomplaintcanstillbefiledwithCRC. NOTE: If an employee of the State of Maine committed the alleged discriminatory act, the MDOL EO Coordinator must be contacted immediately. In those instances, the Complaints and Investigations Article of the Collective Bargaining Agreements will be followed.
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7 . The choice to use Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) or investigation rests with the complainant . If thechoiceisADR,theMDOLEOCoordinatorwillcontacttheDirector,OfficeofHumanResources,who will assign a mediator to assist with an ADR conference .
8 . IfADRissuccessful,asettlementagreementispreparedattheendoftheconferenceandsignedbytheinvolvedparties.IfADRisunsuccessful,thecomplainantisapprisedofhis/herrightstofilethecomplaintwithUSDOLCRCwithin30daysaftertheissuanceofaNoticeoffinalAction.
9 . CaseswhenADRisnotappropriateincludecomplaintsthatarehighprofile,involvelegalissues,involvepolicy,areprecedentsetting,orimpactothersinaprotectedgroup.
10 . IfthecomplainantelectstoresolvethecomplaintusingtheinvestigationbytheMDOLEOCoordinator,theMDOLEOCoordinatorwillprovideanacknowledgementlettertothecomplainantcontainingthefollowing:
• Noticethatthecomplainthasbeenreceived
• Restatement of the issues raised in the complaint
• Noticeofwhichissueshavebeenacceptedforinvestigation
• Explanation,ifnecessary,ofissuesnotbeinginvestigated
• Noticeofthecomplainant’srighttorepresentationbyanyindividualhe/shechoosesduringthecomplaintprocess.Legalfees(ifanattorneyisselected)aretheresponsibilitiesofthecomplainant .
• Noticethatcomplaintprocessingwillbecompletedwithin90daysofthedatethatthecomplaintwasfiledatthelocallevelandaNoticeofFinalActionissued.
• Noticethatthecomplainanthastherighttore-filehis/hercomplaintwithin30daysoftheendofthe90dayscitedabove,iftheLocalEOOfficerfailstoissuethenoticewithinthatperiod.
11 . Inaddition,theMDOLEOCoordinatormust:contactandwriteto(returnreceiptrequested)therespondentidentifiedinthecomplaint;advisetherespondentthatacomplaintallegingdiscriminationhasbeenfiledandisbeingprocessed;provideasummaryofthecomplaintandnoticethatanyformor retaliation is against the law .
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Complaint investigation or fact-finding may include the following elements:
• Holding an interview with complainant to gather facts
• Collecting any evidence the complainant may have to support allegations
• Interviewingtherespondent,obtainingasignedpositionstatement,andanyevidencesupportingtheresponse to the complaint
• Inspectinglocationofwhereallegeddiscriminationoccurred(thisappliesspecificallytoallegationsofsexualharassmentandinaccessibilitytoindividualswithadisability
• Interviewingwitnesses,ifany,andobtainingsignedstatements
• Reviewingdocuments–data,reports,correspondence,contracts,plans,personnelorparticipantrecords,policies/proceduresrelatedtoactivitieswhichgaverisetoallegationsofdiscrimination
• Preparinganinvestigatoryreportthatincludesstatementofbasisofcomplaint,specificallegations,respondentresponseandwitnessstatements,findingsoffact,rationaleandconclusion(probablecauseornoprobablecausethatrespondentmayhavediscriminated)andappealrights
• Maintainingacomplaintfile
It should be noted that the MDOL EO Coordinator is available for technical assistance at any time to the local EO Officers.
Final Action
ANoticeofFinalActionmustbeprovidedtothecomplainantwithacopytotherespondentandLocalEOOfficerwithin90daysofthedatethatthecomplaintwasfiledwiththeMDOLEOCoordinator.TheNoticemustbesent“returnreceiptrequested.”TheNoticemustprovidetherecipient’sdecisionandexplanation on each issue of discrimination that was accepted for processing and resolution . Clearly statewhatspecificactionhasbeentakenorwillbetaken(andwhen)tocompletetheresolution.
IfthecomplainantisdissatisfiedwiththeNoticeofFinalAction,he/shehas30daysfromthedatethefinalnoticeisissuedtofilewiththeCRC.IfaNoticeisneverissued,thecomplainanthas30daysfromthedatethatthenoticeshouldhavebeenissuedtofilewiththeCRC.
Maine Human Rights Commission
EORepresentativeswillinformallcomplainantsoftheirrighttofilewiththeMaineHumanRightsCommissioninadditiontotheaboveprocedure.
Maine Human Rights Commission 51 State House Station Augusta,ME04333-0051 207-624-6050
Civil Rights Center USDOL 200ConstitutionAvenueNW,RoomN412 Washington,DC20210
The complaint procedures outlined here are effective immediately. Equal opportunity Officers are to become familiar with these procedures and to share this information with directors, managers, and supervisors within his/her jurisdiction.
Source: 29 CFR Part 31; 29 CFR Part 37
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Americans with Disabilities Act
Title I and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990,asamended,protectqualifiedindividualsfromdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinhiring,promotion,discharge,pay,fringebenefits,jobtraining,classification,referral,andotheraspectsofemployment.Disabilitydiscriminationincludesfailingtomakereasonableaccommodationtotheknownphysicalormentallimitationsofanotherwisequalifiedindividualwithadisabilitywhoisanapplicantoremployee,barringunduehardship.
ItisthepolicyoftheStateofMainethatnoqualifiedindividualwithadisabilityshall,onthebasisofdisability,beexcludedfromparticipationinorbedeniedthebenefitsoftheservices,programs,oractivitiesoftheStateofMaineorbesubjectedtodiscriminationbytheState.Allprograms,services,andactivities,includinggrantsandcontracts,shallbeavailable,withorwithoutaccommodations,toindividualswithdisabilities,astheyareforotherpersons.Accommodationscouldincludechangestopolicies,practices,orprocedures;removingarchitectural,communication,ortransportationbarriers;andprovidingauxiliaryaidsandservices,suchasinterpreters.
Anattemptshouldbemadeatthelocalleveltoresolvedisabilitycomplaints.IftheCareerCenterManagerordesigneeisunabletoresolvethecomplainttothecomplainant’ssatisfaction,thecomplainantortheCareerCenterManager(ordesignee)shouldfilloutETAForm8429.Oncethecomplaintislogged,acopyoftheformmustbesenttotheDepartmentofLabor’sAccessibilityCoordinator.Thecomplainantmay also take the issue to the Maine Human Rights Commission .
Accessibility CoordinatorOffice of the CommissionerMaine Department of Labor54 State House Station Augusta,ME04333-0054
Or
Maine Human Rights Commission51 State House StationAugusta,ME04333-0051207-624-6290TTY:1-888-577-6690
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Wage and Hour Division
Referrals to the Wage and Hour Division, Bureau of Labor Standards (BLS)
The Wage and Hour Division of BLS investigates and interprets the following complaints:
• Severance pay in plant closings
• Complaintsabout
• restbreaks
• time off to deal with domestic violence at home
• wage issues related to plant closures
• overtime and minimum wages
• timely payment of wages
• Family Leave Law
• unfairagreements(illegalwagedeductionsorpaybacks)
• requirement for written reason for termination
• whistleblowerviolations
• requeststoreviewpersonnelfilesbyemployee
• childlaborissues
• equal pay
• housing complaints (ask for BLS Housing Inspectors)
BLS does not have legal authority over:
• fringebenefits(exceptpaymentofearnedvacationuponterminationofemployment)
• workingconditions(schedules,dresscodes,typesofworkperformed,part-timeorfull-timestatus)
• hiringorfiringpractices
• dischargenotices,warning,disciplinaryactions
• minimum/maximumhoursperdayorweek(exceptforminorsunder18)
• union or other contract agreements
Maine is an “at will” state, which means that employees can legally be hired or fired at the employer’s discretion, provided there is no illegal discrimination, contract or collective bargaining agreement involved. If a customer feels there is discrimination, the process for filing a discrimination complaint should be followed.
Bureau of Labor Standards MaineDepartmentofLabor 45 State House Station Augusta,ME04333-0045 207-623-7900
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Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Appeals Process for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services
Anapplicantfororrecipientofvocationalrehabilitationserviceswhoisdissatisfiedwithanydeterminationmadebyarehabilitationcounselorconcerningthefurnishingordenialofservicesmayrequest(or,ifappropriate,mayrequestthroughtheindividual’srepresentative)atimelyreviewofthedetermination.MaineDivisionofVocationalRehabilitation(DVR)shallmakereasonableaccommodationtotheindividual’sdisabilityintheconductoftheappealsprocess.
Informal ReviewWheneverpossible,MaineDVRwillattempttoresolveconflictsinformallypriortoMediationoraDueProcessHearing,butanindividualmayrequestaDueProcessHearingimmediatelywithouthavingtogothroughotherappealsteps.Anindividualmayrequestameetingwiththecounselor,theappropriatesupervisor,andaClientAssistanceProgramrepresentative,ifdesired,toexploreoptionsforresolvinganyconflicts.
Continuation of Services Pending Completion of the Hearing Pendingafinaldeterminationofanappealhearing,theDVRmaynotsuspend,reduce,orterminateservicesbeingprovidedunderanIndividualizedPlanofEmployment(IPE),unlesstheserviceswereobtainedthroughmisrepresentation,fraudorcollusionoftheindividual,orauthorizedrepresentative,requestssuspension,reduction,orterminationofservices.
Time FramesThetimeframeslistedunderSectionsMediationandDueProcessHearingmaybewaivedifbothpartiesagree to an extension of time in order to conduct the Mediation or Hearing and render a decision .
MediationTheDepartmentofLaborMediationprocessisanoptiontoresolveconflictswhenaresolutionisnotpossibleinformally.Mediationisvoluntaryforbothpartiesandeitherpartymaywithdrawatanytime.Themediatordoesnothavetheauthoritytoimposeasettlementonthepartiesbutwillattempttohelpthem reach a mutually satisfactory resolution of their dispute .
An individual must request Mediation within 30 calendar days of the agency notice regarding the provisionordenialofservicesthatisinquestion.Therequestshallbeinwritingandtherequestshalldescribethecomplaint.TherequestshouldbesenttotheDirectorofDVRwhowillimmediatelyforwardittotheDepartmentofLabor,DivisionofAdministrativeHearings.
The Division of Administrative Hearings will commence a mediation meeting within 15 calendar days of receiptoftherequestandshallbeheldinalocationthatisconvenienttothepartiesinthedispute.
MediationwillbeconductedinaccordancewiththeCourtAlternativeDisputeResolutionService’s(CADRES) standards on ethics and neutrality .
Anagreementreachedinthemediationprocessshallbesetforthinawrittenmediationagreement.
DiscussionsthatoccurduringthemediationprocessshallbeconfidentialandmaynotbeusedasevidenceinanysubsequentdueprocesshearingorcivilproceedinginaccordancewithCADRESconfidentialitystandards.
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Theindividualmayberepresentedatthemediation,includingbutnotlimitedto,representationbytheClient Assistance Program .
Due Process HearingADueProcessHearingisaprocedurewherebyanindividualwhoisdissatisfiedwithanydeterminationsconcerningtheprovisionordenialofDVRservicesmayseekare-determinationofagencyactionbeforeanimpartialhearingofficer.
The individual must request a Due Process Hearing within 30 calendar days of the agency notice regarding the provision or denial of service if Mediation was not requested .
IfnorequestforDueProcessHearingismadewithin30calendardays,theagencydecisionisconsideredfinal.
TherequestforDueProcessHearingshallbeinwritingandshalldescribethecomplaint.MaineDVRwillaccommodateanindividual’sdisabilityandofferassistance,ifappropriate,inthisprocess.TherequestshouldbesenttotheDirectorofDVRwhowillimmediatelyforwardtherequesttotheDepartmentofLabor,DivisionofAdministrativeHearings.
Apre-hearingconferencewillbeheld.Atthattimemediationwillbeexploredasanoptionforresolvingthe dispute .
TheDueProcessHearingshallbeconductedwithin45calendardaysofreceiptoftherequestforDueProcess Hearing .
ADueProcessHearingshallbeconductedbyanimpartialhearingofficerfromthepoolofqualifiedpersonsidentifiedjointlybytheDirectorofMaineDVRandtheStateRehabilitationCouncil.
MaineDVRmaynotdenyordismissarequestforDueProcessHearingunlesstheindividualorhis/herrepresentative:
• withdraws the request in writing or
• isadjudgedbytheDueProcessHearingofficertobeindefaultforfailuretoappearatthehearingwithout good cause .
TheDueProcessHearingshallbeconductedandarecommendeddecisionshallbeissuedinaccordancewithMaine’sAdministrativeProceduresAct,5M.R.S.A.Chapter375,subchapterIV.
TheDueProcessHearingOfficershallissueadecisionwithin30daysofthecompletionofthehearing.IftheCommissioneroftheDepartmentofLaborortheCommissioner’sdesigneedecidestoreviewthedecisionoftheimpartialhearingofficer,he/shewillnotifytheindividualor,ifappropriate,theindividual’srepresentative,ofthatintentwithin20daysofthemailingoftheimpartialhearingofficer’sdecision.TheCommissionerorhis/herdesigneeshallgivetheindividualorindividual’srepresentative10calendardaystosubmitadditionalevidenceandinformationrelevanttothefinaldecision.IftheCommissionerorhis/herdesigneedoesnotnotifytheapplicant/clientoftheintenttoreviewthedecision,thedecisionoftheimpartialhearingofficerbecomesthefinaldecision.
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Within30daysofprovidingnoticeofintenttoreviewtheimpartialhearingofficer’sdecision,theCommissionerordesigneeshallmakeafinaldecisionandprovideafullreportinwritingofthedecision,includingfindingsandthestatutory,regulatory,orpolicygroundsforthedecision,totheindividualor,ifappropriate,theindividual’srepresentative.
TheCommissionerordesigneemaynotoverturnormodifyadecision,orpartofadecision,ofanimpartialhearingofficerunlesstheCommissionerordesigneeconcludes,basedonclearandconvincingevidence,thatthedecisionisclearlyerroneousbecauseitiscontrarytotheapprovedStatePlan,theAct,Federal Regulations or State Policy .
TheDueProcessHearingdecisionshallbeconsideredfinalbytheagencypendingtheoutcomeoffurtherappeal procedures .
Judicial ReviewInthewrittendecisionfromtheCommissionerordesigneeonaDueProcessHearing,theindividualshallbeadvisedonhis/herrighttofileapetitioninSuperiorCourtunderRule80CoftheMaineRulesofCivilProcedure .
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Division of the Blind and Visually Impaired
Appeals Process for the Division of the Blind and Visually Impaired, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services
Anapplicantfororrecipientofvocationalrehabilitation(VR)serviceswhoisdissatisfiedwithanydeterminationmadebyarehabilitationcounselorconcerningthefurnishingordenialofservicesmayrequest(or,ifappropriate,mayrequestthroughtheindividual’srepresentative)atimelyreviewofthedetermination.TheDivisionoftheBlindandVisuallyImpaired(DBVI)shallmakereasonableaCareerCenteraccommodationtotheindividual’sdisabilityintheconductoftheappealsprocess.Writtennotificationofappealrightswillbeprovidedtotheindividualatthetimeofapplication,whenassignedanorderofselectioncategory,whenanIndividualPlanofEmployment(IPE)isdeveloped,andwheneverDBVIVRservicesarereduced,suspended,orterminated.NotificationwillincludethenameandaddressofthepersonwithwhomanappealmaybefiledandinformationregardingtheClientAssistanceProgram .
Mediationand/ordueprocesshearingsareprovidedatnocosttotheindividual;however,costsrelatedtolegalrepresentationarenotcoveredbyDBVI.
Informal ReviewWheneverpossible,DBVIwillattempttoresolveconflictsinformallypriortomediationoradueprocesshearing.Anindividualmayrequestameetingwiththecounselor,theappropriatesupervisor,and/oraClientAssistanceProgramrepresentative,ifdesired,toexploreoptionsforresolvinganyconflicts.Anindividual may request mediation or due process hearing immediately without having to participate in the informal process .
Continuation of Services Pending AppealPendingafinaldeterminationfollowinganappealhearing,theDivisionmaynotsuspend,reduce,orterminateservicesbeingprovidedunderanIPE,unlesstheserviceswereobtainedthroughmisrepresentation,fraudorcollusionortheindividual,ortheindividual’sauthorizedrepresentativerequestssuspension,reductionorterminationofservices.
MediationMediationisavoluntaryprocessconductedbyaqualifiedandimpartialmediator.Mediationisprovidedatnocosttotheindividual,butcostsrelatedtolegalrepresentationarenotcoveredbyDBVI.
An individual must request mediation within 30 calendar days of the agency notice regarding the provisionordenialofservicesthatareinquestion.Therequestshallbeinwritingandshalldescribethebasisforthegrievance.TherequestshouldbesenttotheDirectorofDBVIwhowillimmediatelyforwardittotheDepartmentofLabor,DivisionofAdministrativeHearings.
The Division of Administrative Hearings shall convene a mediation within 15 calendar days of receipt of therequest.Themediationshallbeheldatalocationthatisconvenienttothepartiestothedispute.
MediationshallbeconductedinaccordancewiththeCourtAlternativeDisputeResolutionService’s(CADRES)standardsonethicsandneutrality.Atanypointduringthemediationprocess,eitherpartyorthe mediator may elect to terminate the mediation .
Anyagreementreachedinthemediationprocessshallbesetforthinawrittenmediationagreementandshallbesignedbybothparties.
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DiscussionsthatoccurduringthemediationprocessshallbeconfidentialandmaynotbeusedasevidenceinanysubsequentdueprocesshearingorcivilproceedinginaccordancewithCADRESconfidentialitystandards.
Theindividualmayberepresentedatthemediation,includingbutnotlimitedtorepresentationbytheClientAssistanceProgram.DBVIisnotobligatedtocoverthecostofapplicant’slegalrepresentative.
Themediationprocessmaynotbeusedtodenyordelaytheindividual’srighttopursueresolutionofthedisputethroughadueprocesshearingwithinthespecifiedtimeperiod.
Due Process HearingAdueprocesshearingisaproceedingwherebyanindividualwhoisdissatisfiedwithanydeterminationconcerningtheprovisionordenialofVRservicesmayseekareviewofagencyactionbeforeahearingofficer.
The individual must request due process hearing within thirty (30) calendar days of the agency notice regarding the provision or denial of service if mediation is not requested . If no request for due process hearingismadewithin30calendardays,theagencydecisionbecomesfinal.
Therequestfordueprocesshearingshallbeinwritingandshalldescribethebasisforthegrievance.DBVIwillaccommodateanindividual’sdisabilityandofferassistance,ifappropriate,inthisprocess.TherequestshouldbesenttotheDirectorofDBVIwhowillimmediatelyforwardtherequesttotheDepartmentofLabor,DivisionofAdministrativeHearings.
Apre-hearingconferenceshallbeheldtoclarifyissuesandexploreoptionsforresolvinggrievances.
Thedueprocesshearingshallbeconductedwithin60calendardaysofreceiptoftherequestfordueprocesshearing.AdueprocesshearingshallbeconductedbyanimpartialhearingofficerassignedonarandombasisfromthepoolofqualifiedpersonsidentifiedjointlybytheDirectorofDBVIandtheStateRehabilitationCouncilofDBVI.
The DBVI VR program may not deny or dismiss a request for due process hearing unless the individual or his/herrepresentative:
• withdraws the request in writing or
• isadjudgedbythehearingofficertobeindefaultforfailuretoappearatthehearingwithoutgoodcause .
Thedueprocesshearingshallbeconductedandwillincludeanopportunityfortheindividualortheindividual’srepresentativetopresentwitnessesandrelevantevidence.Adecisionwillbeissuedinaccordance with The Maine Administrative Procedure Act .
Thedueprocesshearingofficershallissueawrittendecisioncontainingfindingsandgroundsforthedecisionwithin30daysofthecompletionofthehearing.Thehearingofficer’sdecisionbecomesfinalunless one of the parties requests a Judicial Review .
Judicial ReviewAnypartywhodisagreeswiththedecisionresultingfromthedueprocesshearinghastherighttofileapetition in Superior Court under Rule 80C of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure .
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State Complaint System AdministrationThe purpose of this section is to make transparent to the CareerCenters and customers how complaints are handled at the State level. The source of the regulations is cited.
• State Complaint Resolution Administrator
• Hearings
• Discontinuation of Services
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 46
State Complaint Resolution Administrator
The State Complaint Resolution Administrator has overall responsibility for the operation of the CareerCenter complaint resolution system.
ResponsibilitiesTheMaineDepartmentofLaborensuresthatcentralizedcontrolproceduresareestablishedforthehandlingofcomplaintsandfilesrelatingtothehandlingofcomplaints.TheStateComplaintResolutionAdministratorshallensurethatacentralcomplaintlogismaintained,listingallcomplaintsreceived.
The State Complaint Resolution Administrator shall receive a quarterly Log Sheet and related paperwork fromeachCareerCenterofficeandwillsubmitareporttotheU.S.DOLRegionaloffice.
ReferralsUnresolvedcomplaintsreferredfromtheCareerCentersandcomplaintsreceiveddirectlyattheStateofficewillbeassignedbytheStateComplaintResolutionAdministratortotheappropriatesubject-matterexpertattheStateofficeforinvestigation/resolution.Ifcomplaintsneedtobereferredtoanenforcementagency,theStateComplaintResolutionAdministratorwillforwardthecomplaints.
Follow-upTheStateComplaintResolutionAdministratorisresponsibleforfollowinguponeachreferredcomplaint.Formostcomplaints,follow-upisperformedquarterly.Formigrantandseasonalfarmworkers,thefollow-upismonthly.TheStateComplaintResolutionAdministratorwillupdatethereferringCareerCenter and complainant with the status of the complaint .
DocumentationForeachcomplaintthatcomesdirectlytotheState,thereneedstobeacompletedandsignedETAForm 8429 and copies of all relevant documentation of conversations and phone calls related to the complaint .
Withintwomonthsaftertheendofeachcalendarquarter,theStateComplaintResolutionAdministratorshalltransmitcopiesofalllocalandStateofficecomplaintlogsreceivedforthatquartertotheRegionalU.S.DOLAdministrator.
Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker ComplaintsStateagenciesshallensurethatanyactiontakenbytheresponsibleofficial,includingreferral,onaCareerCenter-related or non-CareerCenter-related complaint from an MSFW alleging a violation of employmentrelatedlawsenforcedbyUSDOLWage&HourDivisionorOSHAisfullydocumentedinafileattheStateDepartmentofLabor,containingallrelevantinformation,including:
• a copy of the original ETA 8429 complaint form
• a copy of any CareerCenter reports
• any related correspondence
• a list of actions taken
• a record of related telephone calls
The State Complaint Resolution Administrator must provide a quarterly summary complaint report to the State Monitor Advocate .
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Discrimination ComplaintsThehandlingofallCareerCenter-relatedcomplaintsreceivedbytheStateofficeallegingunlawfuldiscriminationbyrace,color,religion,nationalorigin,sex,age,physicalormentalstatusunrelatedtojobperformance(handicap)statusshallbeassignedtotheStateEOCoordinator.
Complaints that Come Directly to the StateDocumentationwillbekeptofalleffortstoresolvethecomplaint,suchasletters,notesofphonecalls,etc.Ifthecomplaintisreferredtoanotheragency,thereferralandresultswillbedocumented.Forinstance,aStateleveldecisiontoupholdtheCareerCenter’sdecisiontodenyaTAAclaimshouldbedocumented,dated,andsignedbytheTAAProgramManager.ThecomplaintthenissenttoAdministrativeHearings.Thetransmittalemailandcopyofthedecisionshouldbeincludedinthefile.
All Other ComplaintsThe handling of all other CareerCenter-related complaints and all non-CareerCenter-related complaints receivedbytheStateofficeshallbeassignedtotheappropriateStateagencyofficial.
Hearings and Discontinuation of ServicesTheStateComplaintAdministratorisresponsibleforinitiatingtheprocessforHearingsandDiscontinuation of Services .
Source: 20 CFR 658.410
Maintenance of Complaint Files
• Filefoldersarekeptforeachprogramyearbyquarter(July–September,October–December,January–March,April–June).
• EachfoldershouldcontaintheLogSheetsfromeachCareerCenterforthequarter,coverlettersummarizingthecomplaintactivity,andtheLogSheetssenttotheU.S.DOLRegion1office.Forreportingpurposes,acopyofthecoverletterwillbesenttotheStateMonitorAdvocateandtheState EO Coordinator .
• ForcomplaintsthatarebeingreferredtotheStatelevelfromtheCareerCenters,afileshouldbecreatedforeachcomplainant.ThisfileshouldcontainallCareerCenterdocumentation,ETAForm8429,anexplanationoftheactivitiestoresolvethecomplaintattheStatelevel,theresultoftheresolution,andacopyofthelettertothecomplainantabouttheresolution.
• IfthecomplaintisreferredtoanotheragencyfromtheStatelevel(forinstance,totheTAAProgramManager),copiesofalldocumentationshouldbeincludedwiththereferraldocumentation.
• ComplaintssentdirectlytotheStateshouldberecordedontheLogSheetforBES,CentralOffice.ThisLogSheetshouldbekeptinthequarterlyfile.
• Documentationoffollow-uprequiredoftheStateComplaintResolutionAdministratorwillbekeptinthecomplainant’sfile,alongwithacopyoftheletternotifyingthecomplainantofthecomplaint’sresolution .
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 48
Hearings
An opportunity to request a hearing may be offered in the following instances:
• whenacomplaintisWIA-related,hasnotbeenresolvedbythelocaloffice,hasbeenreferredtotheStateComplaintResolutionAdministrator,andhasnotbeenresolvedwithin60days
• any complaint that results in a written determination at the State level
• whenaninvestigationofacomplaintagainstanemployerhasfoundtheemployernottobeinviolation of State or Federal regulations
• when a complaint is against the State agency (MDOL)
Upon a written request for a hearing, the following procedures will be followed:Source: 20 CFR 658.416(6) and 20 CFR 658.417
IftheStateoffice,within20workingdaysfromthecertifieddateofreceiptofthenotification,hasnotreferredthecomplainttoalocalofficeoranenforcementagencyandhasissuedadeterminationtoresolvethecomplaint,andreceivesawrittenrequestforahearinginresponsethereto,theStateofficeshallreferthecomplainttoaStatehearingofficialforhearing.Thepartiestowhomthedeterminationwassent(theStateagencymayalsobeaparty)shallthenbenotifiedinwritingbytheStateofficethat:
• Thepartieswillbenotifiedofthedate,time,andplaceofthehearing.
• Thepartiesmayberepresentedatthehearingbyanattorneyorotherrepresentative.
• Thepartiesmaybringwitnessesand/ordocumentaryevidencetothehearing.
• The parties may cross-examine opposing witnesses at the hearing .
• Thedecisiononthecomplaintwillbebasedontheevidencepresentedatthehearing.
• TheStatehearingofficialmayreschedulethehearingattherequestofapartyoritsrepresentative.
• WiththeconsentoftheStateagency’srepresentativeandoftheStatehearingofficial,thepartywhorequestedthehearingmaywithdrawtherequestforhearinginwritingbeforethehearing.
Hearings
1 . HearingsshallbeheldbyStatehearingofficials.AStatehearingofficialmaybeanyStateofficialauthorizedtoholdhearingsundertheStateunemploymentcompensationlaworanyofficialoftheStateagency,authorizedbyStatelawtopresideatStateadministrativehearings.
2 . TheStatehearingofficialmaydecidetoconducthearingsonmorethanonecomplaintconcurrentlyifhe/shedeterminesthattheissuesarerelatedorthatthecomplaintswillbehandledmoreexpeditiously in this fashion .
3 . TheStatehearingofficial,uponthereferralofacaseforahearing,shall:
• Notifyallinvolvedpartiesofthedate,timeandplaceofthehearing.
• Re-schedulethehearing,asappropriate.
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 49
4 . Inconductingahearing,theStatehearingofficialshall:
• Regulate the course of the hearing .
• Issuesubpoenas,ifempoweredtodosounderStatelaw,ifnecessary.
• Assure that all relevant issues are considered .
• Rule on the introduction of evidence and testimony .
• Take any other action which is necessary to insure an orderly hearing .
5 . Thetestimonyatthehearingshallberecordedandmaybetranscribedwhenappropriate.
6 . Thepartiesshallbeaffordedtheopportunitytopresent,examine,andcross-examinewitnesses.
7 . TheStatehearingofficialmayelicittestimonyfromwitnesses,butshallnotactasadvocateforanyparty .
8 . TheStatehearingofficialshallreceiveandincludeintherecord,documentaryevidenceofferedbyanypartyandacceptedatthehearing.Copiesthereofshallbemadeavailablebythepartysubmittingthedocumenttootherpartiestothehearinguponrequest.
9 . Technicalrulesofevidenceshallnotapplytohearingsconductedpursuanttothissection,butrulesorprinciplesdesignedtoassureproductionofthemostcredibleevidenceavailableandtosubjecttestimonytotestbycross-examination,shallbeappliedwherereasonablynecessarybytheStatehearingofficial.TheStatehearingofficialmayexcludeirrelevant,immaterial,orundulyrepetitiousevidence .
10 . Thecaserecord,oranyportionthereof,shallbeavailableforinspectionandcopyingbyanypartyat,priorto,orsubsequenttothehearinguponrequest.Specialproceduresmaybeusedfordisclosureofmedicalandpsychologicalrecordssuchasdisclosuretoaphysiciandesignatedbytheindividual .
11 . TheStatehearingofficialshall,iffeasible,resolvethedisputebyconciliationatanytimepriortotheconclusion of the hearing .
12 . AttheStatehearingofficial’sdiscretion,otherappropriateindividuals,organizations,orassociationsmaybepermittedtoparticipateinthehearingasamicuscuriae(friendsofthecourt)withrespecttospecificlegalorfactualissuesrelevanttothecomplaint.Anydocumentssubmittedbytheamicuscuriaeshallbeincludedintherecord.
13 . The following standards shall apply to the location of hearings involving parties in more than one StateorinlocationswithinaStatebutwhichareseparatedgeographicallysothataccesstothehearinglocationisextremelyinconvenientforoneormorepartiesasdeterminedbytheStatehearingofficial.
• Wheneverpossible,theStatehearingofficialshallholdasinglehearing,atalocationconvenienttoallpartiesortheirrepresentativeswishtoappearandpresentevidence,andwithallsuchpartiesand/ortheirrepresentativespresent.
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 50
• IfahearinglocationcannotbeestablishedbytheStatehearingofficialpursuanttothestatementabove,theStatehearingofficialmayconduct,withtheconsentoftheparties,the hearingbyatelephoneconferencecallfromaStateagencyofficewithallpartiesandtheirrepresentativesnotchoosingtobepresentatthatlocationpermittedtoparticipateinthehearingfrom their distant locations .
• WheretheStateagencydoesnothavethefacilitiestoconducthearingsbytelephonepursuanttotheabovetwoparagraphsofthissection,theStateagenciesintheStateswherethepartiesare located shall take evidence and hold the hearing in the same manner as used for appealed interstateunemploymentclaimsinthoseStates,totheextentthatsuchproceduresareconsistentwith Sec . 658 .416 .
Source: 20 CFR 658.418
Decision of the State Hearing Official
1 . TheStatehearingofficialmay:
• Rulethatthecaseisimproperlybeforeit,thatis,thatthereisalackofjurisdictionoverthecase.
• Rulethatthecomplainthasbeenwithdrawnproperlyandinwriting.
• Rulethatreasonablecauseexiststobelievethattherequesthasbeenabandonedorthatrepeatedrequestsforre-schedulingarearbitraryandforthepurposeofundulydelayingoravoiding a hearing .
• Rendersuchotherrulingsasareappropriatetotheissuesinquestion.However,theStatehearingofficialshallnothavejurisdictiontoconsiderthevalidityorconstitutionalityofCareerCenterregulations or of the Federal statutes under which they are promulgated .
2 . Basedontheentirerecord,includingtheinvestigationsanddeterminationsofthelocalandStateofficesandanyevidenceprovidedatthehearing,theStatehearingofficialshallprepareawrittendecision.TheStatehearingofficialshallsendacopyofthedecisionstatingthefindingsandconclusionsoflawandfactandthereasonsthereforetothecomplainant,therespondent,entitiesservingasamicuscapacity(ifany),theStateoffice,theRegionalAdministrator,andtheSolicitorofLabor,Attn:AssociatesSolicitorforEmploymentandTrainingLegalServices,DepartmentofLabor,RoomN2101,200ConstitutionalAvenue,NW,Washington,DC20210.Thenotificationtothecomplainantandrespondentmustbesentcertifiedmail.
3 . AlldecisionsofaStatehearingofficialshallbeaccompaniedbyawrittennoticeinformingtheparties(notincludingtheRegionalAdministrator,theSolicitorofLabor,orentitiesservinginanamicuscapacity)that,iftheyarenotsatisfied,theymay,within20workingdaysofthecertifieddateofreceiptofthedecision,fileanappealinwritingwiththeRegionalAdministrator.Thenoticeshallgivethe address of the Regional Administrator .
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 51
Discontinuation of Services to Employers
Basis for Discontinuation of Services: Federal Regulations 20 CFR 416 and 417; 20 CFR 655.210; 20 CFR 658.501 to 503.
The State agency shall initiate procedures for discontinuation of services to employers who:
1 . Submitandrefusetoalterorwithdrawjoborderscontainingspecificationswhicharecontrarytoemployment-related laws .
2 . Submitjobordersandrefusetoprovideassurancesthatthejobsofferedareincompliancewithemployment-relatedlawsortowithdrawsuchjoborders.
3 . Arefoundthroughfieldchecksorotherwisetohaveeithermisrepresentedthetermsorconditionsofemploymentspecifiedonjobordersorfailedtocomplyfullywithassurancesmadeonjoborders.
4 . Arefoundbyafinaldeterminationbyanappropriateenforcementagencytohaveviolatedanyemployment-relatedlawsandnotificationofthisfinaldeterminationhasbeenprovidedtotheJobService(JS)bythatenforcementagency.
5 . Are found to have violated JS regulations pursuant to Sec . 658 .416(d)(4) .
6 . Refusetoacceptqualifiedworkersreferredthroughtheclearancesystem.
7 . RefusetocooperateintheconductoffieldchecksconductedpursuanttoSec.653.503.
8 . Repeatedly cause the initiation of the procedures for discontinuation of services pursuant to paragraphs (1) through (6) of this section .
The State agency may discontinue services immediately if,inthejudgmentoftheStateAdministrator,exhaustionoftheadministrativeproceduressetforthinthissubpartatSecs.658.501through658.502wouldcausesubstantialharmtoasignificantnumberofworkers.Insuchinstances,proceduresatSec.658.503(b)etseq.shallbefollowed.
For employers who are alleged to have not complied with the terms of the temporary labor certification,StateagenciesshallnotifytheRegionalAdministratoroftheallegednon-complianceforinvestigationandpursuanttoSec.655.210considerationofineligibilityforsubsequenttemporarylaborcertification.
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 52
Notification to Employers
The State agency shall notify the employer in writing that it intends to discontinue the provision of the CareerCenterservicespursuantto20CFRPart653andthereasontherefore:
1 . Wherethedecisionisbasedonsubmittalandrefusaltoalterortowithdrawjoborderscontainingspecificationscontrarytoemployment-relatedlaws,theStateagencyshallspecifythedatetheorderwassubmitted,thejoborderinvolved,thespecificationscontrarytoemployment-relatedlawsandthelawsinvolved.TheemployershallbenotifiedinwritingthatallJSserviceswillbeterminatedin20workingdaysunlesstheemployerwithinthattime:
• providesadequateevidencethatthespecificationsarenotcontrarytoemployment-relatedlaws,or
• withdrawsthespecificationsandresubmitsthejoborderincompliancewithallemployment-relatedlaws,or
• ifthejobisnolongeravailablemakesassurancesthatallfuturejoborderssubmittedwillbeincompliancewithallemployment-relatedlaws,or
• requests a hearing from the State agency pursuant to Sec . 658 .417 .
2 . Wherethedecisionisbasedontheemployer’ssubmittalofanorderandrefusaltoprovideassurancesthatthejobisincompliancewithemployment-relatedlawsortowithdrawtheorder,theStateagencyshallspecifythedatetheorderwassubmitted,thejoborderinvolvedandtheassurancesinvolved.TheemployershallbenotifiedthatallJSserviceswillbeterminatedwithin20workingdaysunlesstheemployerwithinthattime:
• resubmittheorderwiththeappropriateassurances,
• ifthejobisnolongeravailable,makeassurancesthatallfuturejoborderssubmittedwillcontainallnecessaryassurancesthatthejobofferedisincompliancewith employment-relatedlaws,or
• requests a hearing from the State agency pursuant to Sec . 658 .417 .
3 . Wherethedecisionisbasedonafindingthattheemployerhasmisrepresentedthetermsorconditionsofemploymentspecifiedonjobordersorfailedtocomplyfullywithassurancesmadeonjoborders,theStateagencyshallspecifythebasisforthatdetermination.TheemployershallbenotifiedthatallJSserviceswillbeterminatedin20workingdaysunlesstheemployerwithinthattime:
• providesadequateevidencethattermsandconditionsofemploymentwerenotmisrepresented,or
• providesadequateevidencethattherewasfullcompliancewiththeassurancesmadeonthejoborders,or
• providesresolutionofacomplaintwhichissatisfactorytoacomplainantreferredbytheJS,and
• providesadequateassurancethatspecificationsonfutureorderswillaccuratelyrepresentthetermsandconditionsofemploymentandthattherewillbefullcompliancewithalljoborderassurances,or
• requests a hearing from the State agency pursuant to Sec . 658 .417 .
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 53
4 . Wherethedecisionisbasedonafinaldeterminationbyanenforcementagencythattheemployer-relatedlaws,theStateagencyshallspecifythedetermination.TheemployershallbenotifiedthatallJSserviceswillbeterminatedin20workingdaysunlesstheemployerwithinthattime:
• provides adequate evidence that the enforcement agency has reversed its ruling and that the employerdidnotviolateemployment-relatedlaws,or
• providesadequateevidencethattheappropriatefineshavebeenpaidand/orappropriaterestitutionhasbeenmade,and
• providesassurancesthatanypolicies,procedures,orconditionsresponsiblefortheviolationhavebeencorrectedandthesameorsimilarviolationsarenotlikelytooccurinthefuture.
5 . WherethedecisionisbasedonafindingofaviolationofJSregulationsunderSec.658.416(d)(4),theStateagencyshallspecifythefinding.TheemployershallbenotifiedthatallJSserviceswillbeterminatedin20workingdaysunlesstheemployerwithinthattime:
• providesadequateevidencethattheemployerdidnotviolateJSregulations,or
• providesadequateevidencethatappropriaterestitutionhasbeenmadeorremedialactiontaken,and
• providesassurancesthatanypolicies,procedures,orconditionsresponsiblefortheviolationhavebeencorrectedandthesameorsimilarviolationsarenotlikelytooccurinthefuture,or
• requests a hearing from the State agency pursuant to Sec . 658 .417 .
6 . Wherethedecisionisbasedonanemployer’sfailuretoacceptqualifiedworkersreferredthroughtheclearancesystem,theStateagencyshallspecifytheworkersreferredandnotaccepted.TheemployershallbenotifiedthatallJSserviceswillbeterminatedin20workingdaysunlesstheemployerwithinthattime:
• providesadequateevidencethattheworkerswereaccepted,or
• providesadequateevidencethattheworkerswerenotavailabletoacceptthejob,or
• providesadequateevidencethattheworkerswerenotqualified,and
• providesadequateassurancesthatqualifiedworkersreferredinthefuturewillbeaccepted,or
• requests a hearing from the State agency pursuant to Sec . 658 .417 .
7 . Wherethedecisionisbasedonlackofcooperationintheconductoffieldchecks,theStateagencyshallspecifythelackofcooperation,theemployershallbenotifiedthatallJSserviceswillbeterminatedin20workingdaysunlesstheemployerwithinthattime:
• providesadequateevidencethathedidcooperate,or
• cooperatesimmediatelyintheconductoffieldchecks,and
• providesassurancesthathe/shewillcooperateinfuturefieldchecksinfurtheractivity,or
• requests a hearing from the State agency pursuant to Sec . 658 .417 .
Iftheemployerchoosestorespondpursuanttothissectionbyprovidingdocumentaryevidenceorassurances,he/shemustatthesametimerequestahearingifsuchhearingisdesiredintheeventthatthe State agency does not accept the documentary evidence or assurances as adequate .
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 54
Wherethedecisionisbasedonrepeatedinitiationofproceduresfordiscontinuationofservices,theemployershallbenotifiedthatserviceshavebeenterminated.
Iftheemployermakesatimelyrequestforahearing,inaccordancewiththissection,theStateagency shall follow procedures set forth at Sec . 658 .417 and notify the complainant whenever the discontinuationofservicesisbasedonacomplaintpursuanttoSec.658.501(a)(5).
Source: 20 CFR 658.502
Discontinuation of Services
IftheemployerdoesnotprovideasatisfactoryresponseinaccordancewithSec.658.502,within20workingdays,orhasnotrequestedahearing,theStateagencyshallimmediatelyterminateservicestothe employer .
IfservicesarediscontinuedtoanemployersubjecttoFederalContractorJobListingRequirements,theStateagencyshallnotifytheETAregionalofficeimmediately.
Reinstatement of Services
ServicesmaybereinstatedtoanemployerafterdiscontinuationunderSec.658.503,if:
• TheStateisorderedtodosobyaFederalAdministrativeLawJudgeorRegionalAdministrator,or
• Theemployerprovidesadequateevidencethatanypolicies,proceduresorconditionsresponsibleforthepreviousdiscontinuationofserviceshavebeencorrectedandthatthesameorsimilardifficultiesarenotlikelytooccurinthefuture,andtheemployerprovidesadequateevidencethattheemployerhasrespondedadequatelytoanyfindingsofanenforcementagency,StateJSagency,orUSES,includingrestitutiontothecomplainantandthepaymentofanyfines,whichwerethebasisofthediscontinuationofservices.
TheStateagencyshallnotify,within20workingdays,theemployerrequestingreinstatementwhetherhisrequesthasbeengranted.IftheStatedeniestherequestforreinstatement,thebasisforthedenialshallbespecifiedandtheemployershallbenotifiedthathe/shemayrequestahearingwithin20workingdays .
Iftheemployermakesatimelyrequestforahearing,theStateagencyshallfollowtheproceduressetforth at Sec . 658 .417 .
TheStateagencyshallreinstateservicestoanemployeriforderedtodosobyaStatehearingofficer,RegionalAdministrator,orFederalAdministrativeLawJudgeasaresultofahearingofferedpursuanttoparagraph (c) of this section .
Source: 20 CFR 658.504Source: 20 CFR 658.503 Source: 20 CFR 658.501
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 55
Appendix A –Master List of Personnel and Contacts• State Agencies
• Equal Opportunity Contacts
• Federal Agencies
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 56
State Agencies
State Complaint Resolution Administrator
Jorge AceroBureau of Employment ServicesMaineDepartmentofLabor55 State House StationAugusta,ME04333-0055207-623-7928Jorge .A .Acero@Maine .gov
Office of the Commissioner, MDOL Disability Coordinator
OfficeoftheCommissionerMaineDepartmentofLabor54 State House StationAugusta,ME04333-0054207-621-5095
State Monitor Advocate
JuanPerez-FeblesBureau of Employment ServicesMaineDepartmentofLabor55 State House StationAugusta,ME04333-0055207-623-7929 or [email protected]
Foreign Labor Certification
Jorge AceroBureau of Employment ServicesMaineDepartmentofLabor55 State House StationAugusta,ME04333-0055207-623-7928Jorge .A .Acero@Maine .gov
Bureau of Unemployment Compensation
47A State House StationAugusta,ME04333-0047800-593-7600
Bureau of Labor Standards
45 State House Station Augusta,ME04333-0045207-623-7900
Bureau of Rehabilitation Services
150 State House StationAugusta,ME04333-01501-800-698-4440TTY:1-888-755-0023
Department of Health & Human Services
11 State House Station221 State StreetAugusta,ME04333-0011(207) 287-3707
Maine Human Rights Commission
51 State House StationAugusta,ME04333-0051207-624-6050
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 57
State Equal Opportunity Coordinator
Michaela LoiselSESC108 State House StationAugusta,ME04333-0108207-623-6735TTY:800-794-1110Michaela .T .Loisel@Maine .gov
Local Equal Opportunity Officers
Aroostook CountyWilliamCrandall,AssistantDirector/COOAroostookCountyActionProgram,Inc.P . O . Box 1116PresqueIsle,ME04769207-764-3721TTY:[email protected]
Washington County Equal Opportunity OfficerNicholeJamison,CareerCenterManagerMachias CareerCenter53PrescottDrive,Suite1Machias,ME04654207-255-1900 TTY:800-381-9932Nichole .S .Jamison@Maine .gov
Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Hancock Counties CindyMeservey,HRDirectorEastern Maine Development Corporation40 Harlow StreetBangor,ME04401207-974-3223cmeservey@emdc .org
Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties PatriciaLadd,ProgramManagerWestern Maine Community Action Program865USRoute2EWilton,ME04294207-645-5800 TTY:888-697-2895patty .ladd@maine .gov
Kennebec CountyElinorWeissman,RegionalManagerRehabilitationServicesAugusta CareerCenter109 State House StationAugusta,ME04333-0109207-624-5120 TTY:800-633-0770
Somerset County Equal Opportunity OfficerAnitaDunham,CareerCenterManagerSkowhegan CareerCenter 98 North AvenueSkowhegan,ME04976207-474-4950TTY:888/697-2912anita .c .dunham@maine .gov
Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo Counties Chris HarveyGoodwill Industries of Northern New EnglandP . O . Box 8600Portland,ME04104207-774-6323
Cumberland County Equal Opportunity OfficerJohnBouchard,CareerCenterManagerPortland CareerCenter185 Lancaster StreetPortland,ME04101207-771-5627 TTY:[email protected]
York CountyRichardFreund,CareerCenterManagerSpringvale CareerCenter9 Bodwell CourtSpringvale,ME04083207-324-5460 TTY:888-697-2913richard .freund@maine .gov
Equal Opportunity Contacts
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 58
Federal Agencies
U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration
25NewSudburyStJohnF.KennedyFederalBuilding,RoomE-350Boston,MA02203617-788-0170
U.S. Department of Labor Wage & Hour Division
1750ElmStreet,Suite111Manchester,NH03104-2907603-666-77161-866-487-9243
OSHA
JFK Federal BuildingRoom E340Boston,MA02203617-565-9860
40WesternAvenue,Room G-26Augusta,ME04330207-626-9160
382 Harlow StreetBangor,ME04401207-941-8177
Civil Rights Center
U.S.DOLCivilRightsCenterRoom N4123200ConstitutionAvenue,NWWashington,DC20210202-693-6500TTY:202-693-6515or6516
Veterans’ Employment and Training Service
U.S.DepartmentofLabor5 Mollison Way Suite 104Lewiston,Maine04240207-753-9090
DVET Jon Guay Guay .jon@dol .gov
VPA Edwina Bagley Bagley .edwina@dol .gov
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 59
Appendix B – Forms• Customer Complaint Resolution Log Sheet
• ETA Form 8429
• Apparent or Field Check Violation Form
• DL Form 1-2014a
Complaint #
Com
plai
nant
Nam
e:
pers
on m
aking
comp
laint
Resp
onde
nt N
ame:
who/
what
comp
laint
is ag
ainst
Date Filed
MSFW
H-2A Worker
Against Employer
Against CareerCenter
Program Decision
Workplace Safety
H-2A Regulations/Law
Wages/Hours/UI/TANF/etc.
Disability
Discrimination
MSFW Regulations/Laws
Other
State Complaint Administrator
UI/TANF/OSHA
Wage & Hour, USDOL (H-2A)
Bureau of Labor Standards
DBVI/DVR
EO State Office (discrimination)
State Monitor Advocate (MSFW)
Other
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Resolved Locally
Staf
f Per
son
Taki
ng
Com
plai
nt
Quar
ter:
Prog
ram
Yea
r:Ca
reer
Cent
er-
Rela
ted
Non-
Care
erCe
nter
-Re
late
dRe
ferr
ed T
o:
Mai
ne D
epar
tmen
t of L
abor
Custo
mer C
ompla
int Re
solut
ion Sy
stem
Quar
terly
Log
Loca
l Off
ice:
rev.
12/
10
ETA 8429 Revised 11/25/2008
Expiration Date: 02/29/2012
One Stop Career Center (OSCC) Complaint/ U.S. Department of Labor Referral Record Employment and Training Administration For OSCC Use Only OMB Approval No. 12050039
Expiration Date: 02/29/2012 Complaint No.
Date Received
Part I. Complainant’s Information Respondent’s Information 1. Name of Complainant (Last, First, Middle Initial) 4. Name of Person Complaint Made Against
2a. Permanent Address (No., St., City, State, ZIP Code) 5. Name of Employer/OSCC Office
b. Temporary Address (if Appropriate) 6. Address of Employer/OSCC Office
3a. Permanent Telephone ( )
b. Temporary Telephone ( )
7. Telephone Number of Employer/OSCC Office ( )
8. Description of Complaint (If additional space is needed, use separate sheet(s) of paper and attach to this form)
I CERTIFY that the information furnished is true and accurately stated to the best of my knowledge. I AUTHORIZE the disclosure of Certification this information to other enforcement agencies for the proper investigation of my complaint. I UNDERSTAND that my identity will
be kept confidential to the maximum extent possible, consistent with applicable law and a fair determination of my complaint. 9. Signature of Complainant 10. Date Signed
/ / Part II. For OSCC Use Only 1. Migrant or Seasonal Farmworker?
Yes No 2. Type of Complaint (“X” Appropriate Box(es))
WIA Related Job Order No. Against Job Service Against Employer Alleged Violation of WIA Regulations Alleged Violation of Employment Law(s)
NonWIA Related
3. If nonWIArelated, does Complaint concern laws enforced by U.S. Employment Standards Administration (Wage and Hour) or OSHA? Yes No
4. Kind of complaint (“X” Appropriate Box(es)) Wage Related Housing Child Labor Pesticides Working Conditions Health/Safety Migrant and Season Disability Agricultural Worker Discrimination Protection Act (MSPA)
Discrimination* Other (Specify)
5. H2a/Criteria Employer U.S./Domestic Worker
H2a Worker
Wages Transportation
Meals Housing Other
6. *For DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS ONLY. Persons wishing to file complaints of discrimination may file either with the State Workforce Agency, or with the Directorate of Civil Rights (DCR), U. S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N4123, Washington, D.C. 20210.
7a. Referrals To Other Agencies (“X” one) Wage & Hour ESA/U.S. DOL. OSHA Other
b. FollowUp (“X” one) Monthly Yes No Quarterly
c. Followup Date / /
8. Address of Referral Agency (No., St., City, State, ZIP Code and Telephone No.)
( )
9. Comments (If additional space is needed, use separate sheet of paper) Provide OSCC Services? Yes No If “No”, explain.
10a. Name and Title of Person Receiving Complaint 11. Office Address (No., St., City, State, ZIP Code)
b. Phone No. ( )
12a. Signature b. Date / /
Public Burden Statement Persons are not required to respond to this collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. Obligation to reply is required to obtain or retain benefits (44 USC 5301). Public reporting burden for this collection is estimated to average 8 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed, and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Program, Room S4209, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210.
APPARENT or FIELD CHECK VIOLATION FORM
Apparent violation is an allegation made by a department employee who observes, has reason to believe, or is in receipt of information regarding a suspected violation of employment related laws, or Employment Service (ES) regulations by an employer only involving a migrant seasonal farm worker.
Field check violation is the observation, or receipt of information, or otherwise a reason to believe by a department employee that conditions are not as stated in the job order, or that an employer is violating an employment related law arising from a field check at an agricultural work site.
In addition to the employer’s name, address and phone number, to the extent possible, please include addresses and phone numbers of any persons involved in or able to corroborate the information alleged in the apparent violation.
A. Employer:
B. Employer’s Address and Telephone Number (include e-mail address, if available):
C. Source of Information (customer, outreach, consultant observation, telephone call, field check, etc):
D. Indicate what happened &/or describe the situation:
E. Identify and attach all documentation and related materials:
VIOLATION1. a. Does this employer have a current listing with Maine
Department of Labor? N0 YES b. Has this employer had a listing with Maine Department of
Labor within the last 12 months? N0 YES
c. Does the current situation suggest violations of the job listing?
d. Does the current situation suggest violations of Employment Service regulations?
e. Does the current situation suggest violations of employment related laws?
N0 YES
N0 YES
N0 YES
2. If 1.a. is NO check the Non ES related box
If 1.a. or, 1.b. and 1.c. are BOTH YES, check the ES- Related box
NO – Non ES-Related YES – ES-Related
3. Does the violation involve a Migrant Seasonal Farm Worker (MSFW)? Non-MSFW MSFW
4. Indicate all the issues involved and/or alleged:
Wages- Field Sanitation- Health/Safety- Child Labor- Migrant Seasonal Protection Act- State FLC license- Other - :
Date Received: ______________________________
2
5. Does the complaint involve Temporary Labor Certification, Agricultural (H2A) or other workers? Indicate which: H2A Worker H2A Employer ________Other Worker _______Other Employer
If H2A related, please indicate all of the issues involved and/or alleged: Transportation- Housing- Wages- H2A Job Listing Assurances- Meals- Working Conditions- Other-
NOTE: Apparent or field check violations alleging unlawful discrimination are to be forwarded immediately to the State Equal Opportunity Officer (c/o Labor Complaint Specialist).
E. Was the apparent violation or field check violation resolved by the local office? N0 YES Indicate actions taken at local office- include a summary of actions taken, attempts to resolve the violation and comments or recommendations that may assist in the investigation and contribute to the agency determination of the apparent violation or field check violation:
Referral made to:
State Wage and Hour
State Monitor Advocate
State EO Officer Federal Wage & Hour OSHA Federal ETA
Anne L. Harriman, Director Wage and Hour Division Maine Department of Labor 45 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333 207-623-7926
Juan Perez-Febles Bureau of Employment Services Maine Department of Labor 55 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0055 207-623-7929 or 207-446-9081 [email protected]
Michaela Loisel SESC108 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0108 207-623-6735 TTI: 800-794-1110 [email protected]
Urgent Note: If Migrant Seasonal Farmworkers are involved and the complaint involves laws enforced by Federal Wage & Hour, such as farm labor contractor, field sanitation, housing or transportation laws, immediately refer all documentation by fax orelectronic copy with transmittal or e-mail cover to the Federal Wage & Hour office in:
George Rioux Manchester Area OfficeUS Dept. of Labor Wage & Hour Division 1750 Elm Street, Suite 111 Manchester, NH 03104-2907 603-666-7716 1-866-4-USWAGE (1-866-487-9243)
William J. Coffin Augusta Area Director Occupational Safety & Health Administration John F. Kennedy Federal Building, Room E340 Boston, MA 02203 617-565-9860
George Kincannon Regional Monitor Advocate JFK Federal Building Room E-350 Boston, MA 02203 Tel: 617-788-0135 Fax: 617-788-0125
Name and Title of Maine Department of Labor Employee:
Local Office and Phone Number:
Signature Date Signed:
Complaint Information Form Maine Department of Labor Discrimination Complaint
1. Complainant Information:
State your name and address:
Your telephone number(s):
Home Number: ( ) -
Work Number: ( ) -
2. Respondent Information:
Provide name and address of agency involved: Telephone Number: ( ) -
3. What is the most convenient time and place for us to contact you about this complaint?
4. To your best recollection on what date(s) did the discrimination take place?
Date of first occurrence:
Date of most recent occurrence: 5. Have you ever attempted to resolve this complaint at the local level? No Yes
a. Have you been provided with a final decision at the local level regarding your complaint?
No Yes
Date of final decision (if any)
b. Have 90 days elapsed since you filed or attempted to file this complaint at the local level?
No Yes
Date you filed or attempted to file your complaint at the local level.
6 . Explain as briefly and clearly as possible what happened and how you were discriminated against. Indicate who wasinvolved. Be sure to include how other persons were treated differently from you. Also attach any written material pertaining to your case.
For DOL use only
CIF Received by CRC: _____Accepted _____ Not Accepted Case Number _____
By: Date:
OMB Control Number 1225-0077 Exp. Date 5/31/2011 DL 1-2014a (Rev’6/87)
2
7. To the best of your knowledge, which of the following Department of Labor programs were involved? (Check one) Workforce
Investment Act (WIA) Job Training MSHA
Welfare to Work OSHA Job Service Youth
Unemployment Insurance Job Corps Apprenticeship
Older Americans Displaced Worker Other: Specify
8. Basis of Complaint: Which of the following best describes why you believe you were discriminated against: (Check)
Race: Specify Color: Specify Religion: Specify National Origin: Specify Sex: Specify [ ] Male [ ] Female Age: Specify Date of Birth: Disability: Specify Political Affiliation: Specify Citizenship: Specify Reprisal/Retaliation: Specify Other: Specify 9. Do you think the discrimination against you involved: (Check one)
Your job or seeking employment?or
Your use of facilities or someone providing/not providing you with services or benefits? If so, which of the following are involved?
Hiring Harassment Transition Access/Accommodation Wages Union Representation Job Classification Union Activity Discharge/Termination Application Promotion Enrollment Training Referral Transfer Exclusion Qualification/Testing Placement Grievance Procedure Benefits Layoff/Furlough Performance Appraisal Recall (From Layoff-Furlough) Discipline/Reprimand Seniority Intimidation/Reprisal Other: Specify
10. Why do you believe these events occurred?
3
11. What other Information do you think is relevant to our investigation?
12. If this complaint is resolved to your satisfaction, what remedies do you seek?
13. Please list below any persons (witnesses, fellow employees, supervisors, or others) that we may contact for additional information to support or clarify your complaint:
________________________ _______________________________________ ________________ Name Address Telephone Number
14. Do you have an attorney?
Yes No
If yes, please provide name, address and phone: __________________________ _______________________________________ ________________ Attorney Name Address Telephone Number 15. Have you filed a case or complaint with any of the following?
Civil Rights Division, U.S. Dept of Justice U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Federal or State court Your State or local Human Relations/Rights Commission
16. For each item checked in #15 above, please provide the following Information:
Agency:Data Filed: Case or Docket Number Date of Trial or Hearing: Location of agency or court Name of Investigator: Status of Case: Comments:
17. Sign (Complaint NOT VALID unless signed)
_______________________________________ ___________________ Name Date
4
U.S. Department of Labor, Civil Rights Center NOTICE ABOUT INVESTIGATORY USES OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
Two Federal laws govern personal information to Federal agencies, including the Civil Rights Center (CRC), the Privacy Act of 1974, (5 U.S.C. 552) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) or “FOIA”. Please read the description of how these laws apply to information connected with your complaint. After reading this notice, please sign and return the consent agreement printed on the back of this notice, along with your complaint form. The PRIVACY ACT protects individuals from misuse of personal information held by the Federal Government. The law applies to records that are kept and can be located by the individual’s name, social security number, or other personal identification system. Anyone who submits information to CRC in connection with a discrimination complaint should know the following:
CRC has been authorized to investigate complaints of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, and handicap and in some programs on the basis of sex, religion, citizenship, and political affiliation or belief, in programs that receive Federal funds through the Department of Labor, CRC is also authorized to conduct reviews of federal funded program to assess their compliance with civil rights laws.
Information that CRC collects is analyzed by authorized personnel with CRC. This information may include
personnel or program participant records, and other personal information. CRC staff may want to reveal some of the personal information to individuals outside the office in order to verify facts related to the complaint, or to discover new facts which will help CRC determine whether the law has been violated. Such information could include, for example, the physical condition or age of a complainant. CRC may also have to reveal personal information to a person who submits a request for disclosure authorized by the Freedom of Information Act.
Information submitted to CRC may also be revealed to persons outside of CRC because it is necessary in order to
complete enforcement proceedings against a program that CRC finds to have violated the law or regulations. Such information could include, for example, the name, income, age, marital status or physical condition of the complainant.
Any personal information you provide may be used only for the specific purpose for which it was requested. CRC
requests personal information only for the purpose of carrying out authorized activities to enforce, and determine compliance with, civil rights laws and regulations. CRC will not release personal information to any person or organization unless the person who submitted the information gives written consent, or unless release is required by the Freedom of Information Act.
No law requires that a complainant reveal personal information CRC, and no action will be taken against a person
who denies CRC’s request for personal information. However, if CRC cannot obtain the information needed to fully investigate the allegations in the complaint, CRC may close the case.
Any person may ask for, and receive, copies of all personal materials CRC keeps in his or her file for investigatory use.
AS A POLICY, CRC DOES NOT REVEAL NAMES AND OTHER IDENTIFYING INFORMATION ABOUT INDIVIDUALS UNLESS IT IS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE INVESTIGATION OR ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES AGAINST A PROGRAM WHICH HAS VIOLATED THE LAW. CRC never reveals to the program under investigation the identity of the person who filed the complaint, unless the complainant first gave CRC written permission to do so.
The FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA) gives the public maximum access to Federal government files and records. Persons can request and receive information from many types of records kept by the Federal government-not just materials that apply to them personally. The Civil Rights Center must honor most requests for information submitted under FOIA, but there are exceptions.
CRC is usually not required to release information during an investigation or an enforcement proceeding if that release would limit CRC’s ability to do its job effectively; and
CRC can refuse to disclose information if release would result in a “clearly unwarranted invasion” of a person’s privacy.
PLEASE READ AND SIGN SECTION A OR SECTION B OF THE CONSENT FORM PRINTED ON THE BACK OF THIS NOTICE, AND RETURN IT TO THE CIVIL RIGHTS CENTER WITH YOUR SIGNED COMPLETED COMPLAINT INFORMATION FORM.
5
CONSENT FORM
I have read the Notice about Investigatory Uses of Personal Information, printed on the front of this form. I understand the following provisions of the Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act, which apply to personal information I reveal to the Civil Rights Center in connection with my complaint:
In the course of investigating my complaint, CRC may have to reveal my identity to staff of the program named in my complaint in order to obtain facts and evidence regarding my complaint;
I do not have to reveal any personal information to CRC, but CRC may close my complaint if I refuse to reveal information needed to fully investigate my complaint;
I may request and receive a copy of any personal information CRC keeps in my complaint file for investigatory uses; and
Under certain conditions, CRC may be required by the Freedom of Information Act to reveal to others personal information I have provided in connection with my complaint.
SECTION A
[ ] YES, CRC MAY DISCLOSE MY IDENTITY IF NECESSARY TO INVESTIGATE MY COMPLAINT. I have read and understand the notice, and I consent for CRC to disclose my identity during investigation of my complaint.
________________________________ _______________ (Signature) (Date)
SECTION B
[ ] NO, CRC MAY NOT DISCLOSE MY IDENTITY, EVEN IF NECESSARY TO PROCESS MY COMPLAINT. I have read and understand the notice, and I do not consent for CRC to disclose my identity during investigation on of my complaint. I request that CRC process my complaint, however, I understand that CRC may cancel my complaint if it cannot fully investigate without disclosing my identity. I also understand CRC may close my complaint if it cannot begin an investigation because I have not consented for CRC to reveal my identity.
________________________________ _______________ (Signature) (Date)
Persons are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Completing this form is voluntary; however, the requested information must be provided in order to file a complaint of discrimination. The Department of Labor's Civil Rights Center will use the information to investigate your complaint of discrimination. The estimated average response time to complete this form is 15 minutes per response. Send comments regarding this estimate or any other aspects of this collection of information to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management, Civil Rights Center, Room N-4123, Washington, D.C. 20210. Please reference OMB control number 1225-0077.
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 69
Appendix C – Sample Letters• Request for Complainant’s Signature
• NotificationofComplaintReferral
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 70
Request for Complainant’s Signature
21 Enterprise Drive, Suite 2109 State House StationAugusta, ME 04333-0109Tel 207-624-5120or 1-800-760-1573Fax 207-287-6236TTY 1-800-663-0770www.mainecareercenter.com
A collaboration of the Maine Department of Labor and employment, education and training providers.The Maine Department of Labor provides equal opportunity in employment and programs.
Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.
Date
Complainant NameAddressCity state zip
Dear
This letter is to advise you that no further action can be taken on the resolution of your complaint unless a signed ETS Form 8429 is received from you. Efforts to resolve your complaint at the local office level were unsuccessful.
If you wish to pursue resolution of your complaint, please sign the enclosed ETS Form 8429 and return to me within 20 business days.
As you will note under Part I, Complainant’s Information, lines 1 through 8 are complete. This information was entered when you first lodged your complaint at the CareerCenter.
To continue the resolution process, you must sign, date and return this form to me within 20 business days from the date of this letter.
Should you have any questions regarding the handling of your complaint, please contact me at (telephone num-ber/email address).
Sincerely,
CareerCenter Manager
enclosure
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 71
Notification of Complaint Referral
21 Enterprise Drive, Suite 2109 State House StationAugusta, ME 04333-0109Tel 207-624-5120or 1-800-760-1573Fax 207-287-6236TTY 1-800-663-0770www.mainecareercenter.com
A collaboration of the Maine Department of Labor and employment, education and training providers.The Maine Department of Labor provides equal opportunity in employment and programs.
Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.
Date
Complainant NameAddressCity state zip
Dear
This letter is to confirm that I have received the ETA Form 8429, One Stop Career Center (OSCC) Complaint/Referral Record filed with this office.
Your complaint has been referred to [State Complaint Resolution Administrator, State EEO Coordinator, Maine Wage and Hour Division, Migrant and Seasonal Farm Worker State Monitor Advocate, etc.] for immediate re-view and action.
Should you have any questions regarding the handling of your complaint, please contact me at [telephone number/e-mail address].
Sincerely,
CareerCenter Manager
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 73
Appendix D – Posters• If you have a complaint… .
• How to File a Personnel Complaint
• Equal Opportunity is the Law
• Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act
• Employee Rights under the H-2A Program
If you have a complaint about:• anemployer• servicesyou’vereceivedhereattheCareerCenter• adecisionthatwasmadeaboutreceivingCareerCenterservices
• theactionsofaCareerCenterstaffperson• thelawsgoverningprogramsofferedattheCareerCenter
This is the process we will follow:• YouwillmeetwiththeCareerCentermanagerorthatperson’sdesigneetoexplainyourcomplaint.
• Wewilltrytoresolveyourcomplaint.WewillofferyouCareerCenterservicesthatmaymeetyourneeds.
• Ifwecan’tresolveyourcomplaintherewithin15days(or5daysifyou’reamigrantorseasonalfarmworker),wewillhelpyoufilloutaformthatwillallowustoreferyourcomplainttotheStateofficeoftheMaineDepartmentofLaborinAugusta.Youwillneedtocompleteandsignthatform.You’llreceiveacopyofthecompletedform.
• TheStateComplaintResolutionAdministratormaydosomefurtherinvestigationandwillworkwithyouonresolvingyourcomplaint.
• Youwillreceiveinformationinwritingonallactionstakenregardingyourcomplaint.
• IfyourcomplaintisnotresolvedattheStatelevel,itwillbereferredtothenextlevel/agencyresponsibleforcomplaintresolution.Again,youwillbenotifiedinwritingofanyreferralandthefinaldecisionaboutyourcomplaint.
The Maine Department of Labor provides equal opportunity in employment and programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.
The Maine Department of Labor provides equal opportunity in employment and programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.
How to File a Personnel Complaint
If you wish to make a complaint about the actions of any employee or employees of the Maine Department of Labor, please contact:
Office of the CommissionerMaine Department of Labor
54 State House StationAugusta, ME 04333-0054
207-621-5095
Thecomplaintshouldidentifyyourself,providecontactinformation,andcontainspecificdetailsaboutyourcomplaint.Thereceiptofyourcomplaintwillbeformallyacknowledgedinwritingorbyphone,andyourcomplaintwillthenbeinvestigatedandprocessedasexpeditiouslyaspossible.Youmaybecontactedtoprovideadditionalinformationaboutyourcomplaint.
Whentheinvestigationofyourcomplainthasbeencompleted,youwillreceiveawrittenexplanationofthefinaldispositionofthematter,withinthelimitsofconfidentialitylaws.
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 76
Equ
al E
mpl
oym
ent O
ppor
tuni
ty is
THE L
AW
Priva
te E
mpl
oyer
s, S
tate
and
Loc
al G
over
nmen
ts, E
duca
tiona
l Ins
titut
ions
, Em
ploy
men
t Age
ncie
s an
d La
bor O
rgan
izat
ions
A
pplic
ants
to a
nd e
mpl
oyee
s of
mos
t pri
vate
em
ploy
ers,
sta
te a
nd lo
cal g
over
nmen
ts, e
duca
tiona
l ins
titut
ions
, em
ploy
men
t age
ncie
s an
d la
bor
orga
niza
tions
are
pro
tect
ed u
nder
Fed
eral
law
from
dis
crim
inat
ion
on th
e fo
llow
ing
base
s:
RA
CE,
CO
LOR
, REL
IGIO
N, S
EX, N
ATIO
NA
L O
RIG
IN
Titl
e V
II o
f the
Civ
il R
ight
s A
ct o
f 196
4, a
s am
ende
d, p
rote
cts
appl
ican
ts a
nd
empl
oyee
s fr
om d
iscr
imin
atio
n in
hir
ing,
pro
mot
ion,
dis
char
ge, p
ay, f
ring
e be
nefit
s,
job
trai
ning
, cla
ssifi
catio
n, r
efer
ral,
and
othe
r as
pect
s of
em
ploy
men
t, on
the
basi
s of
rac
e, c
olor
, rel
igio
n, s
ex (
incl
udin
g pr
egna
ncy)
, or
natio
nal o
rigi
n. R
elig
ious
di
scri
min
atio
n in
clud
es fa
iling
to r
easo
nabl
y ac
com
mod
ate
an e
mpl
oyee
’s r
elig
ious
pr
actic
es w
here
the
acco
mm
odat
ion
does
not
impo
se u
ndue
har
dshi
p.
DIS
AB
ILIT
Y
Titl
e I a
nd T
itle
V o
f the
Am
eric
ans
with
Dis
abili
ties
Act
of 1
990,
as
amen
ded,
pro
tect
qu
alifi
ed in
divi
dual
s fr
om d
iscr
imin
atio
n on
the
basi
s of
dis
abili
ty in
hir
ing,
pro
mot
ion,
di
scha
rge,
pay
, fri
nge
bene
fits,
job
trai
ning
, cla
ssifi
catio
n, re
ferr
al, a
nd o
ther
as
pect
s of
em
ploy
men
t. D
isab
ility
dis
crim
inat
ion
incl
udes
not
mak
ing
reas
onab
le
acco
mm
odat
ion
to th
e kn
own
phys
ical
or m
enta
l lim
itatio
ns o
f an
othe
rwis
e qu
alifi
ed
indi
vidu
al w
ith a
dis
abili
ty w
ho is
an
appl
ican
t or e
mpl
oyee
, bar
ring
und
ue h
ards
hip.
AG
E T
he A
ge D
iscr
imin
atio
n in
Em
ploy
men
t Act
of 1
967,
as
amen
ded,
pro
tect
s ap
plic
ants
and
em
ploy
ees
40 y
ears
of a
ge o
r ol
der
from
dis
crim
inat
ion
base
d on
ag
e in
hir
ing,
pro
mot
ion,
dis
char
ge, p
ay, f
ring
e be
nefit
s, jo
b tr
aini
ng, c
lass
ifica
tion,
re
ferr
al, a
nd o
ther
asp
ects
of e
mpl
oym
ent.
SEX
(W
AG
ES)
In a
dditi
on to
sex
dis
crim
inat
ion
proh
ibite
d by
Titl
e V
II o
f the
Civ
il R
ight
s A
ct, a
s am
ende
d, th
e E
qual
Pay
Act
of 1
963,
as
amen
ded,
pro
hibi
ts s
ex d
iscr
imin
atio
n in
th
e pa
ymen
t of w
ages
to w
omen
and
men
per
form
ing
subs
tant
ially
equ
al w
ork,
in
jobs
that
req
uire
equ
al s
kill,
eff
ort,
and
resp
onsi
bilit
y, u
nder
sim
ilar
wor
king
co
nditi
ons,
in th
e sa
me
esta
blis
hmen
t.
GEN
ETIC
S
Titl
e II
of t
he G
enet
ic In
form
atio
n N
ondi
scri
min
atio
n A
ct o
f 200
8 pr
otec
ts a
pplic
ants
an
d em
ploy
ees
from
dis
crim
inat
ion
base
d on
gen
etic
info
rmat
ion
in h
irin
g,
prom
otio
n, d
isch
arge
, pay
, fri
nge
bene
fits,
job
trai
ning
, cla
ssifi
catio
n, r
efer
ral,
and
othe
r as
pect
s of
em
ploy
men
t. G
INA
als
o re
stri
cts
empl
oyer
s’ a
cqui
sitio
n of
gen
etic
in
form
atio
n an
d st
rict
ly li
mits
dis
clos
ure
of g
enet
ic in
form
atio
n. G
enet
ic in
form
atio
n in
clud
es in
form
atio
n ab
out g
enet
ic te
sts
of a
pplic
ants
, em
ploy
ees,
or
thei
r fa
mily
m
embe
rs; t
he m
anife
stat
ion
of d
isea
ses
or d
isor
ders
in fa
mily
mem
bers
(fa
mily
m
edic
al h
isto
ry);
and
req
uest
s fo
r or
rec
eipt
of g
enet
ic s
ervi
ces
by a
pplic
ants
, em
ploy
ees,
or
thei
r fa
mily
mem
bers
.
RETA
LIATI
ON
A
ll of
the
se F
eder
al la
ws
proh
ibit
cove
red
entit
ies
from
ret
alia
ting
agai
nst a
pe
rson
who
file
s a
char
ge o
f dis
crim
inat
ion,
par
ticip
ates
in a
dis
crim
inat
ion
proc
eedi
ng, o
r ot
herw
ise
oppo
ses
an u
nlaw
ful e
mpl
oym
ent p
ract
ice.
WH
AT T
O D
O I
F YO
U B
ELIE
VE
DIS
CR
IMIN
ATIO
N H
AS
OC
CU
RR
ED
The
re a
re s
tric
t tim
e lim
its fo
r fil
ing
char
ges
of e
mpl
oym
ent d
iscr
imin
atio
n. T
o pr
eser
ve th
e ab
ility
of E
EO
C to
act
on
your
beh
alf a
nd to
pro
tect
you
r ri
ght t
o fil
e a
priv
ate
law
suit,
sho
uld
you
ultim
atel
y ne
ed to
, you
sho
uld
cont
act E
EO
C p
rom
ptly
w
hen
disc
rim
inat
ion
is s
uspe
cted
: T
he U
.S. E
qual
Em
ploy
men
t Opp
ortu
nity
Com
mis
sion
(E
EO
C),
1-8
00-6
69-4
000
(tol
l-fre
e) o
r 1-
800-
669-
6820
(to
ll-fr
ee T
TY
num
ber
for
indi
vidu
als
with
hea
ring
im
pair
men
ts).
EE
OC
fiel
d of
fice
info
rmat
ion
is a
vaila
ble
at w
ww
.eeo
c.go
v or
in
mos
t tel
epho
ne d
irec
tori
es in
the
U.S
. Gov
ernm
ent o
r Fe
dera
l Gov
ernm
ent
sect
ion.
Add
ition
al in
form
atio
n ab
out E
EO
C, i
nclu
ding
info
rmat
ion
abou
t cha
rge
filin
g, is
ava
ilabl
e at
ww
w.e
eoc.
gov.
[Sample poster only. Download original at: www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf ]
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 77
Empl
oyer
s H
oldi
ng F
eder
al C
ontr
acts
or S
ubco
ntra
cts
App
lican
ts to
and
em
ploy
ees
of c
ompa
nies
with
a F
eder
al g
over
nmen
t con
trac
t or
subc
ontr
act
are
prot
ecte
d un
der
Fede
ral l
aw fr
om d
iscr
imin
atio
n on
the
follo
win
g ba
ses:
RA
CE,
CO
LOR
, REL
IGIO
N, S
EX, N
ATIO
NA
L O
RIG
IN
Exe
cutiv
e O
rder
112
46, a
s am
ende
d, p
rohi
bits
job
disc
rim
inat
ion
on th
e ba
sis
of r
ace,
col
or, r
elig
ion,
sex
or
natio
nal o
rigi
n, a
nd r
equi
res
affir
mat
ive
actio
n to
en
sure
equ
ality
of o
ppor
tuni
ty in
all
aspe
cts
of e
mpl
oym
ent.
IND
IVID
UA
LS W
ITH
DIS
AB
ILIT
IES
Sect
ion
503
of th
e R
ehab
ilita
tion
Act
of 1
973,
as
amen
ded,
pro
tect
s qu
alifi
ed
indi
vidu
als
from
dis
crim
inat
ion
on th
e ba
sis
of d
isab
ility
in h
irin
g, p
rom
otio
n,
disc
harg
e, p
ay, f
ring
e be
nefit
s, jo
b tr
aini
ng, c
lass
ifica
tion,
ref
erra
l, an
d ot
her
aspe
cts
of e
mpl
oym
ent.
Dis
abili
ty d
iscr
imin
atio
n in
clud
es n
ot m
akin
g re
ason
able
acc
omm
odat
ion
to th
e kn
own
phys
ical
or
men
tal l
imita
tions
of a
n ot
herw
ise
qual
ified
indi
vidu
al w
ith a
dis
abili
ty w
ho is
an
appl
ican
t or
empl
oyee
, ba
rrin
g un
due
hard
ship
. Se
ctio
n 50
3 al
so r
equi
res
that
Fed
eral
con
trac
tors
take
af
firm
ativ
e ac
tion
to e
mpl
oy a
nd a
dvan
ce in
em
ploy
men
t qua
lified
indi
vidu
als
with
dis
abili
ties
at a
ll le
vels
of e
mpl
oym
ent,
incl
udin
g th
e ex
ecut
ive
leve
l.
DIS
AB
LED
, REC
ENTL
Y S
EPA
RAT
ED, O
THER
PR
OTE
CTE
D,
AN
D A
RM
ED F
OR
CES
SER
VIC
E M
EDA
L VE
TER
AN
S
The
Vie
tnam
Era
Vet
eran
s’ R
eadj
ustm
ent A
ssis
tanc
e A
ct o
f 197
4, a
s am
ende
d, 3
8 U
.S.C
. 421
2, p
rohi
bits
job
disc
rim
inat
ion
and
requ
ires
affi
rmat
ive
actio
n to
em
ploy
an
d ad
vanc
e in
em
ploy
men
t dis
able
d ve
tera
ns, r
ecen
tly s
epar
ated
vet
eran
s (w
ithin
thre
e ye
ars
of d
isch
arge
or
rele
ase
from
act
ive
duty
), o
ther
pro
tect
ed v
eter
ans
(vet
eran
s w
ho s
erve
d du
ring
a w
ar o
r in
a c
ampa
ign
or e
xped
ition
for
whi
ch a
ca
mpa
ign
badg
e ha
s be
en a
utho
rize
d), a
nd A
rmed
For
ces
serv
ice
med
al v
eter
ans
(vet
eran
s w
ho, w
hile
on
activ
e du
ty, p
artic
ipat
ed in
a U
.S. m
ilita
ry o
pera
tion
for
whi
ch a
n A
rmed
For
ces
serv
ice
med
al w
as a
war
ded)
.
RET
ALI
ATIO
N
Ret
alia
tion
is p
rohi
bite
d ag
ains
t a p
erso
n w
ho fi
les
a co
mpl
aint
of d
iscr
imin
atio
n,
part
icip
ates
in a
n O
FCC
P pr
ocee
ding
, or
othe
rwis
e op
pose
s di
scri
min
atio
n un
der
thes
e Fe
dera
l law
s.
Any
per
son
who
bel
ieve
s a
cont
ract
or h
as v
iola
ted
its n
ondi
scri
min
atio
n or
af
firm
ativ
e ac
tion
oblig
atio
ns u
nder
the
auth
oriti
es a
bove
sho
uld
cont
act
imm
edia
tely
:
The
Offi
ce o
f Fed
eral
Con
trac
t Com
plia
nce
Prog
ram
s (O
FCC
P), U
.S.
Dep
artm
ent o
f Lab
or, 2
00 C
onst
itutio
n A
venu
e, N
.W.,
Was
hing
ton,
D.C
. 20
210,
1-8
00-3
97-6
251
(tol
l-fre
e) o
r (2
02)
693-
1337
(T
TY
). O
FCC
P m
ay a
lso
be
cont
acte
d by
e-m
ail a
t OFC
CP-
Publ
ic@
dol.g
ov, o
r by
cal
ling
an O
FCC
P re
gion
al
or d
istr
ict o
ffice
, lis
ted
in m
ost t
elep
hone
dir
ecto
ries
und
er U
.S. G
over
nmen
t, D
epar
tmen
t of L
abor
.
Prog
ram
s or
Act
iviti
es R
ecei
ving
Fed
eral
Fin
anci
al A
ssis
tanc
e
RA
CE,
CO
LOR
, NAT
ION
AL
OR
IGIN
, SEX
IN
DIV
IDU
ALS
WIT
H D
ISA
BIL
ITIE
S
In a
dditi
on to
the
prot
ectio
ns o
f Titl
e V
II o
f the
Civ
il R
ight
s A
ct o
f 196
4, a
s Se
ctio
n 50
4 of
the
Reh
abili
tatio
n A
ct o
f 197
3, a
s am
ende
d, p
rohi
bits
em
ploy
men
t am
ende
d, T
itle
VI o
f the
Civ
il R
ight
s A
ct o
f 196
4, a
s am
ende
d, p
rohi
bits
di
scri
min
atio
n on
the
basi
s of
dis
abili
ty in
any
pro
gram
or
activ
ity w
hich
rec
eive
s di
scri
min
atio
n on
the
basi
s of
rac
e, c
olor
or
natio
nal o
rigi
n in
pro
gram
s or
Fe
dera
l fina
ncia
l ass
ista
nce.
Dis
crim
inat
ion
is p
rohi
bite
d in
all
aspe
cts
of
activ
ities
rec
eivi
ng F
eder
al fi
nanc
ial a
ssis
tanc
e. E
mpl
oym
ent d
iscr
imin
atio
n em
ploy
men
t aga
inst
per
sons
with
dis
abili
ties
who
, with
or
with
out r
easo
nabl
e is
cov
ered
by
Titl
e V
I if t
he p
rim
ary
obje
ctiv
e of
the
finan
cial
ass
ista
nce
is
acco
mm
odat
ion,
can
per
form
the
esse
ntia
l fun
ctio
ns o
f the
job.
pr
ovis
ion
of e
mpl
oym
ent,
or w
here
em
ploy
men
t dis
crim
inat
ion
caus
es o
r m
ay
If y
ou b
elie
ve y
ou h
ave
been
dis
crim
inat
ed a
gain
st in
a p
rogr
am o
f any
ca
use
disc
rim
inat
ion
in p
rovi
ding
ser
vice
s un
der
such
pro
gram
s. T
itle
IX o
f the
in
stitu
tion
whi
ch r
ecei
ves
Fede
ral fi
nanc
ial a
ssis
tanc
e, y
ou s
houl
d im
med
iate
ly
Edu
catio
n A
men
dmen
ts o
f 197
2 pr
ohib
its e
mpl
oym
ent d
iscr
imin
atio
n on
the
cont
act t
he F
eder
al a
genc
y pr
ovid
ing
such
ass
ista
nce.
ba
sis
of s
ex in
edu
catio
nal p
rogr
ams
or a
ctiv
ities
whi
ch r
ecei
ve F
eder
al fi
nanc
ial
assi
stan
ce.
EE
OC
9/0
2 an
d O
FC
CP
8/08
Ver
sion
s U
seab
le W
ith
11/0
9 Su
pple
men
t E
EO
C-P
/E-1
(R
evis
ed 1
1/09
)
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 78
Not
ice
Mig
rant
and
Se
ason
al
Agr
icul
tura
lW
orke
rPr
otec
tion
Act
Th
is fe
dera
l law
requ
ires
agric
ultu
ral e
mpl
oyer
s,
agric
ultu
ral a
ssoc
iatio
ns, f
arm
labo
r con
tract
ors
and
thei
r em
ploy
ees
to o
bser
ve c
erta
in la
bor s
tand
ards
w
hen
empl
oyin
g m
igra
nt a
nd s
easo
nal f
arm
wor
kers
un
less
spe
cific
exe
mpt
ions
app
ly. F
urth
er, f
arm
labo
r co
ntra
ctor
s ar
e re
quire
d to
regi
ster
with
the
U.S
. D
epar
tmen
t of L
abor
.
Mig
rant
and
Sea
sona
l Far
mw
orke
rs
Hav
e Th
ese
Rig
hts
• To
rece
ive
accu
rate
info
rmat
ion
abou
t wag
es a
nd
wor
king
con
ditio
ns fo
r the
pro
spec
tive
empl
oym
ent
To re
ceiv
e th
is in
form
atio
n in
writ
ing
and
in E
nglis
h,
Spa
nish
or o
ther
lang
uage
s, a
s ap
prop
riate
To
hav
e th
e te
rms
of th
e w
orki
ng a
rrang
emen
t up
held
To
hav
e fa
rm la
bor c
ontra
ctor
s sh
ow p
roof
of
regi
stra
tion
at th
e tim
e of
recr
uitm
ent
• • •
Avi
so
Ley
de P
rote
cció
n de
Tra
baja
dore
s M
igra
ntes
y
Tem
pora
les
en
la A
gric
ultu
ra
Est
a le
y fe
dera
l exi
ge q
ue lo
s pa
trone
s ag
rícol
as, l
as a
soci
acio
nes
agríc
olas
, los
con
tratis
tas
de m
ano
de o
bra
agríc
ola
(o tr
oque
ros)
, y s
us
empl
eado
s cu
mpl
an c
on c
ierta
s no
rmas
labo
rale
s cu
ando
ocu
pan
a lo
s tra
baja
dore
s m
igra
ntes
y te
mpo
rale
s en
la a
gric
ultu
ra, a
men
os q
ue s
e ap
lique
n ex
cepc
ione
s es
pecí
ficas
. Lo
s co
ntra
tista
s, o
troq
uero
s, ti
enen
ad
emás
la o
blig
ació
n de
regi
stra
rse
con
el D
epar
tam
ento
del
Tra
bajo
.
Los
Trab
ajad
ores
Mig
rant
es y
Tem
pora
les
en la
A
gric
ultu
raTi
enen
los
Der
echo
s Si
guie
ntes
• Rec
ibir
deta
lles
exac
tos
sobr
e el
sal
ario
y la
s co
ndic
ione
s de
trab
ajo
del
empl
eo fu
turo
R
ecib
ir es
tos
dato
s po
r esc
rito
en in
glés
, en
espa
ñol,
o en
otro
idio
ma
que
sea
apro
piad
o C
umpl
imie
nto
de to
das
las
cond
icio
nes
de tr
abaj
o co
mo
fuer
on
pres
enta
das
cuan
do s
e le
s hi
zo la
ofe
rta d
e tra
bajo
A
l ser
recl
utad
os p
ara
un tr
abaj
o, v
er u
na p
rueb
a de
que
el c
ontra
tista
se
hay
a re
gist
rado
con
el D
epar
tam
ento
del
Tra
bajo
• • •
[Sample poster only. Download original at: www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/mspaensp.htm ]
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 79
• To
be p
aid
wag
es w
hen
due
To re
ceiv
e ite
miz
ed, w
ritte
n st
atem
ents
of e
arni
ngs
for e
ach
pay
perio
d To
pur
chas
e go
ods
from
the
sour
ce o
f the
ir ch
oice
To
be
trans
porte
d in
veh
icle
s w
hich
are
pro
perly
in
sure
d an
d op
erat
ed b
y lic
ense
d dr
iver
s, a
nd w
hich
m
eet f
eder
al a
nd s
tate
saf
ety
stan
dard
s Fo
r mig
rant
farm
wor
kers
who
are
pro
vide
d ho
usin
g
• • • • ✽T
o be
hou
sed
in p
rope
rty w
hich
mee
ts fe
dera
l an
d st
ate
safe
ty a
nd h
ealth
sta
ndar
ds
✽T
o ha
ve th
e ho
usin
g in
form
atio
n pr
esen
ted
to
them
in w
ritin
g at
the
time
of re
crui
tmen
t ✽
To
have
pos
ted
in a
con
spic
uous
pla
ce a
t the
ho
usin
g si
te o
r pre
sent
ed to
them
a s
tate
men
t of
the
term
s an
d co
nditi
ons
of o
ccup
ancy
, if a
ny
Wor
kers
who
bel
ieve
thei
r rig
hts
unde
r the
act
hav
e be
en v
iola
ted
may
file
com
plai
nts
with
the
depa
rtmen
t’sW
age
and
Hou
r Div
isio
n or
may
file
sui
t di
rect
ly in
fede
ral d
istri
ct c
ourt.
The
law
pro
hibi
ts
empl
oyer
s fro
m d
iscr
imin
atin
g ag
ains
t wor
kers
who
file
co
mpl
aint
s, te
stify
or i
n an
y w
ay e
xerc
ise
thei
r rig
hts
on
thei
r ow
n be
half
or o
n be
half
of o
ther
s. C
ompl
aint
s of
su
ch d
iscr
imin
atio
n m
ust b
e fil
ed w
ith th
e di
visi
on
with
in 1
80 d
ays
of th
e al
lege
d ev
ent.
For f
urth
er in
form
atio
n, g
et in
touc
h w
ith th
e ne
ares
t of
fice
of th
e W
age
and
Hou
r Div
isio
n, li
sted
in m
ost
tele
phon
e di
rect
orie
s un
der t
he U
.S. G
over
nmen
t, D
epar
tmen
t of L
abor
.
U.S.
Dep
artm
ent o
f Lab
or
Em
ploy
men
t Sta
ndar
ds A
dmin
istra
tion
Wag
e an
d H
our D
ivis
ion
The
law
requ
ires
empl
oyer
s to
dis
play
this
pos
ter w
here
em
ploy
ees
can
read
ily s
ee it
.
• Cob
rar e
l sal
ario
en
la fe
cha
fijad
a R
ecib
ir ca
da d
ía d
e pa
go u
n re
cibo
indi
cand
o el
sal
ario
y la
razó
n de
cu
alqu
ier d
educ
ción
C
ompr
ar m
erca
ncía
s al
com
erci
ante
que
ello
s es
coja
n S
er tr
ansp
orta
dos
en v
ehíc
ulos
que
teng
an s
egur
os a
decu
ados
y q
ue
haya
n pa
sado
las
insp
ecci
ones
fede
rale
s y
esta
tale
s de
seg
urid
ad, y
co
nduc
idos
por
cho
fere
s qu
e te
ngan
per
mis
os d
e m
anej
ar
Las
gara
ntía
s pa
ra lo
s tra
baja
dore
s m
igra
ntes
a q
uien
es s
e le
s pr
opor
cion
en v
ivie
ndas
o a
loja
mie
nto
• • • • ✽V
ivie
ndas
que
sat
isfa
zcan
los
requ
isito
s fe
dera
les
y es
tata
les
de
segu
ridad
y d
e sa
nida
d ✽
Al s
er re
clut
ados
, rec
ibir
por e
scrit
o in
form
es s
obre
las
vivi
enda
s y
su
cost
o ✽
Rec
ibir
de s
u pa
tron
un a
viso
esc
rito
expl
ican
do la
s co
ndic
ione
s de
oc
upac
ión
de la
viv
iend
a, o
que
tal a
viso
est
é co
loca
do e
n un
luga
r vi
sibl
e de
la v
ivie
nda
Los
traba
jado
res
que
crea
n ha
ber s
ufrid
o un
a vi
olac
ión
de s
us d
erec
hos
pued
en p
rese
ntar
sus
que
jas
a la
Div
isió
n de
Sal
ario
s y
Hor
as o
pue
den
pres
enta
r una
dem
anda
dire
ctam
ente
a lo
s tri
buna
les
fede
rale
s. L
a le
y pr
ohib
e cu
alqu
ier d
iscr
imin
ació
n o
sanc
ión
haci
a lo
s tra
baja
dore
s qu
e pr
esen
ten
tale
s qu
ejas
, que
hag
an d
ecla
raci
ones
, o q
ue re
clam
en d
e cu
alqu
ier m
aner
a su
s de
rech
os, s
ea a
ben
efic
io d
e sí
mis
mos
o a
ben
efic
io
de o
tros.
Hay
que
pre
sent
ar la
s qu
ejas
de
disc
rimin
ació
n o
de s
anci
ón a
la
divi
sión
den
tro d
e 18
0 dí
as d
el s
uces
o.
En
caso
de
que
nece
site
más
info
rmac
ión,
com
uníq
uens
e co
n la
ofic
ina
de
la D
ivis
ión
de S
alar
ios
y H
oras
más
cer
cana
, que
apa
rece
en
la m
ayor
ía
de lo
s di
rect
orio
s te
lefó
nico
s ba
jo e
l títu
lo U
.S. G
over
nmen
t, D
epar
tmen
t of
Labo
r.
Dep
arta
men
to d
el T
raba
jo d
e lo
s EE
. UU.
A
dmin
istra
ción
de
Nor
mas
de
Em
pleo
D
ivis
ión
de S
alar
ios
y H
oras
La le
y ex
ige
que
los
patro
nes
fijen
est
e av
iso
en u
n lu
gar d
onde
pue
dan
verlo
fáci
lmen
te
los
traba
jado
res.
W
H P
ublic
atio
n 13
76
Rev
ised
Apr
il 19
83
Maine CareerCenter Customer Complaint Resolution Manual • January 2011 80
U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division
For additional information:
WHD 1491 February 2010
1-866-4-USWAGE(1-866-487-9243) TTY: 1-877-889-5627
WWW.WAGEHOUR.DOL.GOV
UNDER THE H-2A PROGRAMEMPLOYEE RIGHTS
• Toreceiveaccurate,WRITTEN INFORMATIONaboutthewages,hours,workingconditions,andbenefitsoftheemploymentbeingoffered
• Toreceivethisinformationpriortogettingavisaandnolaterthanonthefirstdayofwork• Toreceivethisinformationinalanguageunderstoodbytheworker
• TobePAIDatleasttwicepermonthattheratestatedintheworkcontract• Tobeinformed,inwriting,ofallDEDUCTIONS(nototherwiserequiredbylaw)thatwillbemadefromtheworker’spaycheck
• Toreceiveanitemized,writtenSTATEMENT OF EARNINGS(paystub)foreachpayperiod• TobeguaranteedemploymentforatleastTHREE-FOURTHS(75%)ofthetotalhourspromisedintheworkcontract
• Tobeprovidedor,uponcompletionof50percentoftheworkcontractperiod,reimbursedforreasonablecostsincurredfortransportationanddailymealstotheplaceofemployment
• Uponcompletionoftheworkcontract,tobeprovidedorpaidforreturntransportationanddailymeals
• Forworkerslivinginemployer-providedhousing,tobeprovidedTRANSPORTATION,atnocosttotheworker,betweenthehousingandtheworksite
• Allemployer-providedtransportationmustmeetapplicablesafetystandards,beproperlyinsured,andbeoperatedbylicenseddrivers
• Foranyworkerwhoisnotreasonablyabletoreturntohis/herresidencewithinthesameday,tobeprovidedHOUSING AT NO COST
• Employer-providedhousingmustmeetapplicablesafetystandards• Workerswholiveinemployer-providedhousingmustbeofferedthreemealsperdayatnomorethanaDOL-specifiedcost,orprovidedfreeandconvenientcookingandkitchenfacilities
• TobeprovidedstateWORKERS’ COMPENSATION insuranceoritsequivalent• Tobeprovided,atnocost,allTOOLS,supplies,andequipmentrequiredtoperformtheassignedduties
• TO BE FREE FROM DISCRIMINATIONordischargeforfilingacomplaint,testifying,orexercisingyourrightsinanywayorhelpingotherstodoso
• EmployersMUSTcomplywithallotherapplicablelaws(includingtheprohibitionagainstholdingworkers’passportsorotherimmigrationdocuments)
• EmployersandtheiragentsMUSTNOTreceivepaymentfromanyworkerforanycostsrelatedtoobtainingtheH-2Acertification(suchasapplicationandrecruitmentfees)
• EmployersMUSTdisplaythisposterwhereemployeescanreadilyseeit• EmployersMUSTNOTlayoffordisplacesimilarlyemployedU.S.workerswithin60daysofthedateofneedforH-2Aworkers
• EmployersMUSThireanyeligibleU.S.workerwhoappliesduringthefirst50percentoftheapprovedworkcontractperiod
DISCLOSURE
WAGES
TRANSPORTATION
HOUSING
ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR WAGE AND HOUR DIVISIONThe Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) allows for the employment of temporary non-immigrant workers inagriculture(H-2AWORKERS)onlyiftheemploymentofU.S.workerswouldnotbeadverselyimpacted.ToensurethatU.S.workersarenotadverselyimpacted,H-2A WORKERS and OTHER WORKERS employed on an H-2A work contract or by an H-2A employer in the same agricultural work as the H-2A workershavethefollowingrights:
Workerswhobelievetheirrightsundertheprogramhavebeenviolatedmayfileconfidentialcomplaints.
[Sample poster only. Download original at: www.dol.gov/whd/posters/pdf/WHD1491Eng_H2A.pdf ]