20 C.F.R. PART 658—ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS GOVERNING THE JOB SERVICE SYSTEM
Title 20 - Employees' Benefits
Authority: Wagner-Peyser Act of 1933, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.; 38 U.S.C. chapters 41 and 42; 5 U.S.C. 301 et seq.; sections 658.410, 658.411 and 658.413 also issued under 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.
Source: 45 FR 39468, June 10, 1980, unless otherwise noted.
This subpart sets forth the regulations governing the Job Service complaint system at both the State and Federal levels. (a) (1) The types of complaints (JS related complaints) which shall be handled to resolution by the JS complaint system are as follows: (i) Complaints against an employer about the specific job to which the applicant was referred by the JS involving violations of the terms and conditions of the job order or employment-related law (employer-related complaint) and (ii) complaints about Job Service actions or omissions under JS regulations (agency-related complaints). These complaint procedures are not applicable to UI, or WIA complaints. Complaints alleging violations of UI, or WIA regulations should be handled within the procedures set forth in the respective regulations. (2) A complaint shall be handled to resolution by these regulations only if it is made within one year of the alleged occurrence. (b) Complaints by veterans alleging employer violations of the mandatory listing requirements under 38 U.S.C. 2012 shall not be handled under this subpart. The State agency shall handle such complaints under the Department's regulations at 41 CFR part 60–250. (c) Complaints from MSFWs alleging violations of employment-related laws enforced by ESA or OSHA shall be taken in writing by the State agency and the ETA regional office and referred to ESA or OSHA pursuant to the procedures set forth in §§658.414 and 658.422. All other complaints alleging violations of employment-related Federal, State or local laws other than JS regulations by employers, their agents, or DOL subagencies other than JS (non-JS related complaints) shall be logged by the State agency and the ETA regional office and the complainant shall be referred to the appropriate agency pursuant to procedures set forth in §§658.414 and 658.422. (d) Certain types of complaints, such as, but not limited to, complaints by MSFWs, and complaints alleging unlawful discrimination, shall, as set forth in this subpart, be handled by specified officials of the State agency or of ETA. [45 FR 39468, June 10, 1980, as amended at 71 FR 35523, June 21, 2006] (a) Each State agency shall establish and maintain a Job Service complaint system pursuant to this subpart. (b) The State Administrator shall have overall responsibility for the operation of the State agency JS complaint system. At the local office level, the local office manager shall be responsible for the management of the JS complaint system. (c) (1) State agencies shall ensure that centralized control procedures are established for the handling of complaints and files relating to the handling of complaints. The Manager or Administrator of the local or State office taking the complaint shall ensure that a central complaint log is maintained, listing all complaints received, and specifying for each complaint: (i) The name of the complainant, (ii) The name of the respondent (employer or State agency), (iii) The date the complaint is filed, (iv) Whether the complaint is by or on behalf of an MSFW, (v) Whether the complaint is JS-related, (vi) If the complaint is JS-related, whether it is employer-related or agency-related, (vii) If the complaint is non-JS-related, the information required by §658.414(c), and (viii) The action taken, including for JS-related complaints, whether the complaint has been resolved. (2) Within one month after the end of the calendar quarter during which a local office receives an MSFW complaint (JS or non-JS related), the local office manager shall transmit a copy of that portion of the log containing the information on the MSFW complaint(s) or a separate listing of the relevant information from the log for each MSFW complaint to the State Administrator. Within two months after the end of each calendar quarter the State Administrator shall transmit copies of all local and State office complaint logs received for that quarter to the Regional Administrator. (3) State agencies shall ensure that any action taken by the responsible official, including referral, on a JS-related or non-JS related complaint from an MSFW alleging a violation of employment related laws enforced by ESA or OSHA is fully documented in a file containing all relevant information, including a copy of the original complaint form, a copy of any JS reports, any related correspondence, a list of actions taken, and a record of related telephone calls. (4) At the State office level, the State Administrator shall ensure that all JS-related complaints referred from local offices, and all correspondence relating thereto are logged with a notation of the nature of each item. (d) State agencies shall ensure that information pertaining to the use of the JS complaint system is publicized. This shall include the prominent display of an ETA-approved JS complaint system poster in each local office, satellite or district office, and at each State agency operated day-haul facility. (Pub. L. No. 96–511, 94 Stat. 2812 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)) [45 FR 39468, June 10, 1980, as amended at 47 FR 145, Jan. 5, 1982] (a) JS-related complaints may be filed in any office of the State job service agency. (b) Assignment of complaints to local office personnel shall be as follows: (1) All JS-related complaints filed with a local office, and alleging unlawful discrimination by race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or physical or mental status unrelated to job performance (handicap) shall be assigned to a local office Equal Opportunity (EO) representative if the local office has a trained and designated EO representative, or, if the local office does not have such a representative, shall be sent immediately to the State agency for logging and assignment to the EO representative or, where appropriate, handled in accordance with the procedures set forth at 29 CFR part 31. The EO representative shall refer complaints alleging discrimination by employers to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other appropriate enforcement agency. Complaints retained by an EO representative shall be subject to the hearing and appeal rights as are normally provided in accordance with this subpart. The State agency complaint specialist shall follow-up with the EO representative or with other responsible enforcement agency monthly regarding MSFW complaints and quarterly regarding non-MSFW complaints, and shall inform the complainants of the status of the complaint periodically. (2) All JS-related and non-JS related complaints other than those described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section shall be handled by the local office manager or assigned by the local office manager to a local office employee trained in JS complaint procedures. (c) Assignment of complaints to State office personnel shall be as follows: (1) The handling of all JS-related complaints received by the State office alleging unlawful discrimination by race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, physical or mental status unrelated to job performance (handicap) status shall be assigned to a State EO representative and, where appropriate, handled in accordance with procedures set forth at 29 CFR part 31. (2) The handling of all other JS-related complaints and all non-JS-related complaints received by the State office shall be assigned to a State agency official designated by the State Administrator, provided that the State agency official designated to handle MSFW complaints shall be the State MSFW Monitor Advocate. (a) A JS-related complaint is resolved when: (1) The complainant indicates satisfaction with the outcome, or (2) The complainant chooses not to elevate the complaint to the next level of review, or (3) The complainant or the complainant's authorized representative fails to respond within 20 working days or in cases where the complainant is an MSFW, 40 working days of a written request by the appropriate local or State office, or (4) The complainant exhausts the final level of review, or (5) A final determination has been made by the enforcement agency to which the complaint was referred. (a) There shall be an appropriate official available during regular office hours to take complaints in each local office. (b) Whenever an individual indicates an interest in making any complaint to a State agency office, the appropriate JS official shall offer to explain the operation of the JS complaint system. The appropriate JS official shall offer to take the complaint in writing if it is JS related, or if non-JS related, it alleges violations of employment related laws enforced by ESA or OSHA and is filed by or on behalf of an MSFW. The official shall require that the complainant put the complaint on the JS Complaint/Referral Form prescribed or approved by the ETA. The JS Complaint/Referral Form shall be used for all complaints taken by a State agency, including complaints about unlawful discrimination, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section. The State agency official shall offer to assist the complainant in filling out the form and shall do so if the complainant desires such assistance. If the complainant also represents several other complainants, all such complainants shall be named on the JS Complaint/Referral Form. The complainant shall sign the completed form. The identity of the complainant(s) and any persons who furnish information relating to, or assisting in, an investigation of a complaint shall be kept confidential to the maximum extent possible, consistent with applicable law and a fair determination of the complaint. A copy of the completed JS Complaint/Referral Form shall be given to the complainant(s), and the complaint form shall be given to the appropriate JS official. (c) If a JS official receives a complaint in any form (e.g., a letter) which is signed by the complainant and includes sufficient information for the JS official to initiate an investigation, the document shall be treated as if it were a properly completed JS Complaint/Referral Form filed in person by the complainant. The JS official shall send a confirming letter to this effect to the complainant and shall give the document to the appropriate JS official. If the complainant has not provided sufficient information to investigate the matter expeditiously, the JS official shall request additional information from the complainant. (d) If the appropriate JS official determines that the complaint is not JS-related, the official shall follow the procedures set forth in §658.414. (e) If the appropriate JS official determines that the complaint is JS-related, the official shall ensure that the complaint is handled in accordance with this subpart E. (f) During the initial discussion with the complainant, the JS official receiving the complaint shall: (1) Make every effort to obtain all the information he/she perceives to be necessary to investigate the complaint; (2) Request that the complainant indicate all of the addresses through which he or she might be contacted during the investigation of the complaint; (3) Request that the complainant contact the JS before leaving the area if possible, and explain the need to maintain contact during the complaint investigation. (Pub. L. No. 96–511, 94 Stat. 2812 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)) [45 FR 39468, June 10, 1980, as amended at 47 FR 145, Jan. 5, 1982] (a) To facilitate the operation of the coordinated enforcement procedures established at 29 CFR part 42, the State agency shall take from MSFWs in writing non-JS related complaints which allege violations of employment related laws enforced by ESA or OSHA. The official shall immediately refer the complaint to ESA or OSHA for prompt action. The JS official shall inform the MSFW of the enforcement agency (and the individual if known) to which the complaint will be referred and refer the complainant to other agencies, attorney, consumer advocate and/or other assistance where appropriate. (b) Upon receipt of all other non-JS related complaints, the JS official shall refer the complainant to the appropriate enforcement agency, another public agency, an attorney, a consumer advocate and/or other appropriate assistance. (c) For all non-JS-related complaints received pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the appropriate JS official shall record the referral of the complainant and the complaint where paragraph (a) is applicable, and the agency or agencies (and individual(s), if known) to which the complainant and the complaint where paragraph (a) is applicable, were referred on the complaint log specified in §658.410(c)(1). The JS official shall also prepare and keep the file specified in §658.410(c)(3) for the complaints filed pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section. (a) Where a JS-related complaint deals with an employer, the proper office to handle the complaint initially is ordinarily the local office serving the area in which the employer is located. Where a JS-related complaint deals with an office of a State agency, the proper office to handle the complaint initially is the local office serving the area in which the alleged violation of the JS regulations occurred. Where an agency-related complaint deals with more than one office of a State agency, with an alleged agency-wide violation, or with the State office, the appropriate State agency official may direct that the State office of that agency handle the complaint initially. (b) The State Administrator shall establish a system whereby the office in which an JS-related complaint is filed, alleging a violation in that same State, ensures that the JS Complaint/Referral Form is adequately completed and then sent to the proper State or local office of that agency. A copy of the referral letter shall be sent to the complainant. (c) Whenever a JS-related complaint deals with an employer in another State or another State agency, the State JS agency shall send, after ensuring that the JS Complaint/Referral Form is adequately completed, a copy of the JS Complaint/Referral Form and copies of any relevant documents to the State agency in the other State. Copies of the referral letter shall be sent to the complainant, and copies of the complaint and referral letter shall be sent to the ETA Regional Office(s) with jurisdiction over the transferring and receiving State agencies. (d) The State agency receiving the complaint after an interstate transferral under paragraph (c) of this section shall handle the complaint as if it had been initially filed with that office. (e) The ETA regional office with jurisdiction over the receiving State shall follow-up with the receiving State agency to ensure the complaint is handled in accordance with these regulations. (f) If the JS complaint is against more than one State JS agency, the complaint shall so clearly state. The complaint shall be handled as separate complaints and shall be handled according to procedures at §658.416(c) and paragraph (c) of this section. (a) The appropriate State agency official handling an JS-related complaint shall offer to assist the complainant through the provision of appropriate JS services. For complaints against employers, this may include such services as referring a worker-complainant to another job. (b) (1) If the JS-related complaint concerns violations of an employment-related law, the local or State office official shall refer the complaint to the appropriate enforcement agency and notify the complainant in writing of the referral. The agency shall follow-up with the enforcement agency monthly regarding MSFW complaints and quarterly regarding non-MSFW complaints, and shall inform the complainant of the status of the complaint periodically. (2) If the enforcement agency makes a final determination that the employer violated an employment related law, the State JS agency shall initiate procedures for discontinuation of services immediately in accordance with subpart F. The State agency shall notify the complainant and the employer of this action. (c) If the complaint is filed initially in a local office, and is not referred under paragraph (b), the appropriate local office official shall investigate and attempt to resolve the complaint immediately upon receipt. If resolution has not been achieved to the satisfaction of the complainant within 15 working days after receipt of the complaint, or 5 working days with respect to complaints filed by or on behalf of MSFWs, the local office official shall send the complaint to the State office for resolution or further action except that if the local office has made a written request for information pursuant to §658.412(a)(3), these time periods shall not apply until the complainant's response is received in accordance with §658.412(a)(3). The local office shall notify the complainant and the respondent, in writing, of the results of its investigation pursuant to this paragraph, and of the referral to the State office. (d) If the complaint is filed initially with the State office, and is not transferred to a local office under §658.415(a), or not referred to an enforcement agency under paragraph (b) of this section, the appropriate State office official shall investigate and attempt to resolve the complaint immediately upon receipt. If the State office receives the complaint on referral from a local office, the State official shall attempt to resolve the complaint immediately and may, if necessary, conduct a further investigation. If resolution at the State office level has not been accomplished within 30 working days (20 working days with respect to complaints by MSFWs) after the complaint was received by the State office (whether the complaint was received directly or from a local office pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section), the State office shall make a written determination regarding the complaint and shall send copies to the complainant and the respondent except that if the State office has made a written request for information pursuant to §658.412 (a)(3) these time periods shall not apply until the complainant's response is received in accordance with §658.412(a)(3). The determination must be sent by certified mail. The determination shall include all of the following: (1) The results of any State office investigation pursuant to this paragraph. (2) Conclusions reached on the allegations of the complaint. (3) An explanation of why the complaint was not resolved. (4) If the complaint is against an employer, and the State office has found that the employer has violated JS regulations, the determination shall state that the State will initiate procedures for discontinuation of services to the employer in accordance with subpart F. (5) If the complaint is against an employer and has not been referred to an enforcement agency pursuant to paragraph (b)(1) of this section, and the State office has found that the employer has not violated JS regulations, an offer to the complainant of the opportunity to request a hearing within 20 working days after the certified date of receipt of the notification. (6) If the complaint is against the State agency, an offer to the complainant of the opportunity to request in writing a hearing within 20 working days after the certified date of receipt of the notification. (e) If the State office, within 20 working days from the certified date of receipt of the notification provided for in paragraph (d) of this section, receives a written request for a hearing in response thereto, the State office shall refer the complaint to a State hearing official for hearing. The parties to whom the determination was sent (the State agency may also be a party) shall then be notified in writing by the State office that: (1) The parties will be notified of the date, time and place of the hearing; (2) The parties may be represented at the hearing by an attorney or other representative; (3) The parties may bring witnesses and/or documentary evidence to the hearing; (4) The parties may cross-examine opposing witnesses at the hearing; (5) The decision on the complaint will be based on the evidence presented at the hearing; (6) The State hearing official may reschedule the hearing at the request of a party or its representative; and (7) With the consent of the State agency's representative and of the State hearing official, the party who requested the hearing may withdraw the request for hearing in writing before the hearing. (a) Hearings shall be held by State hearing officials. A State hearing official may be any State official authorized to hold hearings under State law. They may be, for example, the same referees who hold hearings under the State unemployment compensation law or any official of the State agency, authorized by State law to preside at State administrative hearings. (b) The State hearing official may decide to conduct hearings on more than one complaint concurrently if he/she determines that the issues are related or that the complaints will be handled more expeditiously in this fashion. (c) The State hearing official, upon the referral of a case for a hearing, shall: (1) Notify all involved parties of the date, time and place of the hearing; and (2) Re-schedule the hearing, as appropriate. (d) In conducting a hearing the State hearing official shall: (1) Regulate the course of the hearing; (2) Issue subpoenas, if empowered to do so under State law, if necessary; (3) Assure that all relevant issues are considered; (4) Rule on the introduction of evidence and testimony; and (5) Take any other action which is necessary to insure an orderly hearing. (e) The testimony at the hearing shall be recorded and may be transcribed when appropriate. (f) The parties shall be afforded the opportunity to present, examine, and cross-examine witnesses. (g) The State hearing official may elicit testimony from witnesses, but shall not act as advocate for any party. (h) The State hearing official shall receive and include in the record, documentary evidence offered by any party and accepted at the hearing. Copies thereof shall be made available by the party submitting the document to other parties to the hearing upon request. (i) Technical rules of evidence shall not apply to hearings conducted pursuant to this section, but rules or principles designed to assure production of the most credible evidence available and to subject testimony to test by cross-examination, shall be applied where reasonably necessary by the State hearing official. The State hearing official may exclude irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence. (j) The case record, or any portion thereof, shall be available for inspection and copying by any party at, prior to, or subsequent to the hearing upon request. Special procedures may be used for disclosure of medical and psychological records such as disclosure to a physician designated by the individual. (k) The State hearing official shall, if feasible, resolve the dispute by conciliation at any time prior to the conclusion of the hearing. (l) At the State hearing official's discretion, other appropriate individuals, organizations, or associations may be permitted to participate in the hearing as amicus curiae (friends of the court) with respect to specific legal or factual issues relevant to the complaint. Any documents submitted by the amicus curiae shall be included in the record. (m) The following standards shall apply to the location of hearings involving parties in more than one State or in locations within a State but which are separated geographically so that access to the hearing location is extremely inconvenient for one or more parties as determined by the State hearing official. (1) Whenever possible, the State hearing official shall hold a single hearing, at a location convenient to all parties or their representatives wishing to appear and present evidence, and with all such parties and/or their representatives present. (2) If a hearing location cannot be established by the State hearing official pursuant to paragraph (m)(1) of this section, the State hearing official may conduct, with the consent of the parties, the hearing by a telephone conference call from a State agency office with all parties and their representatives not choosing to be present at that location permitted to participate in the hearing from their distant locations. (3) Where the State agency does not have the facilities to conduct hearings by telephone pursuant to paragraph (m)(1) or (m)(2) of this section, the State agencies in the States where the parties are located shall take evidence and hold the hearing in the same manner as used for appealed interstate unemployment claims in those States, to the extent that such procedures are consistent with §658.416. [45 FR 39468, June 10, 1980, as amended at 71 FR 35523, June 21, 2006] (a) The State hearing official may: (1) Rule that the case is improperly before it, that is, that there is a lack of jurisdiction over the case; (2) Rule that the complaint has been withdrawn properly and in writing; (3) Rule that reasonable cause exists to believe that the request has been abandoned or that repeated requests for re-scheduling are arbitrary and for the purpose of unduly delaying or avoiding a hearing; (4) Render such other rulings as are appropriate to the issues in question. However, the State hearing official shall not have jurisdiction to consider the validity or constitutionality of JS regulations or of the Federal statutes under which they are promulgated. (b) Based on the entire record, including the investigations and determinations of the local and State offices and any evidence provided at the hearing, the State hearing official shall prepare a written decision. The State hearing official shall send a copy of the decision stating the findings and conclusions of law and fact and the reasons therefor to the complainant, the respondent, entities serving as amicus capacity (if any), the State office, the Regional Administrator, and the Solicitor of Labor, Attn: Associate Solicitor for Employment and Training Legal Services, Department of Labor, room N2101, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC, 20210. The notification to the complainant and respondent must be sent certified mail. (c) All decisions of a State hearing official shall be accompanied by a written notice informing the parties (not including the Regional Administrator, the Solicitor of Labor, or entities serving in an amicus capacity) that, if they are not satisfied, they may, within 20 working days of the certified date of receipt of the decision, file an appeal in writing with the Regional Administrator. The notice shall give the address of the Regional Administrator. (a) Each Regional Administrator shall establish and maintain a JS complaint system at the DOL regional office level. (b) The Regional Administrator shall designate DOL officials to handle JS-related complaints as follows: (1) The handling of all JS-related complaints alleging discrimination by race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or physical or mental status unrelated to job performance (handicap), shall be assigned to a Regional Director for Equal Opportunity and Special Review (RDEOSR) and, where appropriate, handled in accordance with procedures at 29 CFR part 31. (2) The handling of all JS-related complaints other than those described in paragraphs (b)(1) of this section, shall be assigned to a regional office official designated by the Regional Administrator, provided that the regional office official designated to handle MSFW complaints shall be the Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate. (c) The Regional Administrator shall designate DOL officials to handle non-JS-related complaints in accordance with §658.422: Provided, That the regional official designated to handle MSFW non-JS-related complaints shall be the Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate. (d) The Regional Administrator shall assure that all JS-related complaints and all correspondence relating thereto are logged, with a notation of the nature of each item. (a) No JS-related complaint shall be handled at the ETA regional office level until the complainant has exhausted the State agency administrative remedies set forth at §§658.410 through 658.418. Therefore, if the Regional Administrator determines that any complainant, who has filed a JS-related complaint with the regional office, has not yet exhausted the administrative remedies at the State agency level, the Regional Administrator shall inform the complainant within 10 working days in writing that the complainant must first exhaust those remedies before the complaint may be filed in the regional office. A copy of this letter shall be sent to the State Administrator. However, nothing in this provision shall prevent an ETA regional office from accepting and handling to resolution a JS-related complaint pursuant to §658.423 or §658.702(c). (b) The ETA regional office shall be responsible for handling appeals of determinations made on complaints at the State level. An “appeal” shall include any letter or other writing requesting review if it is received by the regional office and signed by a party to the complaint. Upon receipt of an appeal by the Regional Administrator after the exhaustion of State agency administrative remedies, the Regional Administrator immediately shall send for the complete State agency file, including the original JS Complaint/Referral Form. (c) The Regional Administrator shall review the file in the case and shall determine within ten (10) days whether any further investigation or action is appropriate, provided however that the Regional Administrator shall have twenty (20) working days to make this determination if legal advice is necessary. (d) If the Regional Administrator determines that no further action is warranted, the Regional Administrator shall send this determination in writing by certified mail to the appellant within five (5) days of his/her determination and may, in the Regional Administrator's discretion, offer the appellant a hearing before a DOL Administrative Law Judge, provided the appellant requests such a hearing in writing from the Regional Administrator within 20 working days of the certified date of receipt of the Regional Administrator's offer of hearing. (e) If the Regional Administrator determines that further investigation or other action is warranted, the Regional Administrator immediately shall undertake such an investigation, informal resolution or other action. (f) If the Regional Administrator determines to reverse or modify the decision of the State hearing official or the State Administrator, the Regional Administrator shall offer in writing by certified mail each party to the State hearing official's hearing or to whom the State office determination was sent, the opportunity for a hearing before a DOL Administrative Law Judge, provided the party requests such a hearing in writing within 20 working days of the certified date of the Regional Administrator's offer of hearing. (g) If the Regional Administrator finds reason to believe that a State agency or one of its local offices has violated JS regulations, the Regional Administrator shall follow the procedures set forth at subpart H of this part. (h) If the appeal is not resolved, pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section, to the appellant's satisfaction, the Regional Administrator may, in the Regional Administrator's discretion, offer the appellant in writing by certified mail a hearing before a DOL Administrative Law Judge provided the appellant requests such a hearing in writing from the Regional Administrator within 20 working days of the certified date of receipt of the Regional Administrator's offer of hearing. (a) Each non-JS-related complaint filed by an MSFW alleging violations of employment related laws enforced by ESA or OSHA shall be taken in writing, and referrred to ESA or OSHA for prompt action pursuant to 29 CFR part 42. (b) Upon referring the complaint in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, the regional official shall inform the complainant of the enforcement agency (and individual, if known) to which the complaint was referred and shall also refer the complainant to the enforcement agency, another public agency, an attorney, a consumer advocate and/or other appropriate assistance. (c) All other non-JS-related complaints alleging violations of employment related laws shall be logged. The complainant shall be referred to the appropriate agency for assistance. (d) For all non-JS-related complaints received and/or referred, the appropriate regional official shall record the referral of the complainant (or complaint filed on behalf of an MSFW), and the agency or agencies (and individual(s) if known) to which the complainant (or complaint) was referred on a complaint log, similar to the one described in §658.410(c)(1). The appropriate regional official shall also prepare and keep the file specified in §658.410(c)(3). Whenever the regional office receives a JS-related complaint and the appropriate official determines that the nature and scope of the complaint are such that the time required to exhaust the administrative procedures at the State level would adversely affect a significant number of applicants, he/she shall take the complaint and follow up on the complaint as follows: for a complaint against an employer, the regional office shall handle the complaint in a manner consistent with the requirements imposed upon State agencies by §§658.413 and 658.416 of this part. A hearing shall be offered to the parties once the Regional Administrator makes a determination on the complaint. For a complaint against a State agency, the regional office shall follow procedures established at §658.702(c). (a) If a party requests a hearing pursuant to §658.421 (d), (f), or (h) or §658.423, the Regional Administrator shall: (1) Send the party requesting the hearing and all other parties to the prior State agency hearing, a written notice containing the statements set forth at §658.416(e); (2) Compile four hearing files containing copies of all documents relevant to the case, indexed and compiled chronologically; (3) Send simultaneously one hearing file to the DOL Chief Administrative Law Judge, 800 K Street, NW., suite 400, Washington, DC 20001-8002, one hearing file to the Administrator, and one hearing file to the Solicitor of Labor, Attn: Associate Solicitor for Employment and Training Legal Services, and retain one hearing file. (b) Upon the receipt of a hearing file, the DOL Administrative Law Judge designated by the Chief Administrative Law Judge shall notify the party requesting the hearing, all parties to the prior State hearing official hearing (if any), the State agency, the Regional Administrator, the Administrator, and the Solicitor of the receipt of the case. The DOL Administrative Law Judge shall afford the non-Federal parties 20 working days to submit legal arguments and supporting documentation, if any, in the case. The DOL Administrative Law Judge shall afford the Solicitor 20 working days to submit legal arguments and supporting documentation, if any, in the case on behalf of the Federal parties. After the 20 working days elapse, the Hearing Officer shall decide whether to schedule a hearing, or make a determination on the record. (c) The DOL Administrative Law Judge may decide to conduct hearings on more than one complaint concurrently if he/she determines that the issues are related or that the complaints will be handled more expeditiously in this fashion. (d) At the DOL Administrative Law Judge's discretion, other appropriate individuals, organizations, or associations may be permitted to participate in the hearing as amicus curiae with respect to specific legal or factual issues relevant to the complaint. Any documents submitted by the amicus curiae shall be included in the record. (e) The following standards shall apply to the location of hearings involving parties in more than one State or in locations which are within a State but which are separated geographically so that access to the hearing location is extremely inconvenient for one or more parties as determined by the Administrative Law Judge. (1) Whenever possible, the Administrative Law Judge shall hold a single hearing, at a location convenient to all parties or their representatives wishing to appear and present evidence, and with all such parties and/or their representatives present. (2) If a hearing location cannot be established by the Administrative Law Judge at a location pursuant to paragraph (e)(1) of this section, the Administrative Law Judge may conduct, with the consent of the parties, the hearing by a telephone conference call from an office with all parties and their representatives not choosing to be present at that location permitted to participate in the hearing from their distant locations. (3) Where the Administrative Law Judge is unable to locate facilities to conduct hearings by telephone pursuant to paragraph (e)(1) or (e)(2) of this section, the Administrative Law Judge shall take evidence in the States where the parties are located and hold the hearing in the same manner as used for appealed interstate unemployment claims in those States, to the extent that such procedures are consistent with §658.416. (f) The DOL Administrative Law Judge shall: (1) Notify all involved parties of the date, time and place of the hearing; and (2) Re-schedule the hearing, as appropriate. (g) In conducting a hearing the DOL Administrative Law Judge shall: (1) Regulate the course of the hearing; (2) Issue subpoenas if necessary; (3) Consider all relevant issues which are raised; (4) Rule on the introduction of evidence and testimony; (5) Take any other action which is necessary to insure an orderly hearing. (h) The testimony at the hearing shall be recorded, and shall be transcribed if appropriate. (i) The parties to the hearing shall be afforded the opportunity to present, examine, and cross-examine witnesses. The DOL Administrative Law Judge may elicit testimony from witnesses, but shall not act as advocate for any party. (j) The DOL Administrative Law Judge shall receive, and make part of the record, documentary evidence offered by any party and accepted at the hearing. Copies thereof shall be made available by the party submitting the documentary evidence, to any part to the hearing upon request. (k) Technical rules of evidence shall not apply to hearings conducted pursuant to this part, but rules or principles designed to assure production of the most credible evidence available and to subject testimony to test by cross-examination shall be applied where reasonably necessary by the Administrative Law Judge conducting the hearing. The Administrative Law Judge may exclude irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence. (l) The case record, or any portion thereof, shall be available for inspection and copying by any party to the hearing at, prior to, or subsequent to the hearing upon request. Special procedures may be used for disclosure of medical and psychological records such as disclosure to a physician designated by the individual concerned. (m) The DOL Administrative Law Judge shall, if feasible, encourage resolution of the dispute by conciliation at any time prior to the conclusion of the hearing. [45 FR 39468, June 10, 1980, as amended at 56 FR 54708, Oct. 22, 1991] (a) The DOL Administrative Law Judge may: (1) Rule that there is a lack of jurisdiction over the case; (2) Rule that the appeal has been withdrawn properly and in writing, with the written consent of all the parties; (3) Rule that reasonable cause exists to believe that the appeal has been abandoned or that repeated requests for re-scheduling are arbitrary and for the purpose of unduly delaying or avoiding a hearing; or (4) Render such other rulings as are appropriate to the issues in question. However, the DOL Administrative Law Judge shall not have jursidiction to consider the validity or constitutionality of JS regulations or of the Federal statutes under which they are promulgated. (b) Based on the entire record, including any legal briefs, the record before the State agency, the investigation (if any) and determination of the Regional Administrator, and evidence provided at the hearing, the DOL Administrative Law Judge shall prepare a written decision. The DOL Administrative Law Judge shall send a copy of the decision stating the findings and conclusions of law and fact and the reasons therefor to the parties to the hearing, including the State agency, the Regional Administrator, the Administrator, and the Solicitor, and to entities filing amicus briefs (if any). (c) The decision of the DOL Administrative Law Judge shall be the final decision of the Secretary. Complaints alleging that an ETA regional office or the national office of USES has violated JS regulations should be mailed to the Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training, U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, DC 20210. Such complaints should include: (a) The allegations of wrong-doing, (b) the date of the incident, (c) location of the incident, (d) who the complaint is against, and (e) any other relevant information available to the complainant. The Assistant Secretary or the Regional Administrator as designated shall make a determination and respond to the complainant after investigation of the complaint. This subpart contains the regulations governing the discontinuation of services provided pursuant to 20 CFR part 653 to employers by the USES, including State agencies. (a) The State agency shall initiate procedures for discontinuation of services to employers who: (1) Submit and refuse to alter or withdraw job orders containing specifications which are contrary to employment-related laws; (2) Submit job orders and refuse to provide assurances, in accordance with paragraph (d) above, that the jobs offered are in compliance with employment-related laws, or to withdraw such job orders; (3) Are found through field checks or otherwise to have either misrepresented the terms or conditions of employment specified on job orders or failed to comply fully with assurances made on job orders; (4) Are found by a final determination by an appropriate enforcement agency to have violated any employment-related laws and notification of this final determination has been provided to the JS by that enforcement agency; (5) Are found to have violated JS regulations pursuant to §658.416(d)(4); (6) Refuse to accept qualified workers referred through the clearance system; (7) Refuse to cooperate in the conduct of field checks conducted pursuant to §653.503; or (8) Repeatedly cause the initiation of the procedures for discontinuation of services pursuant to paragraphs (a)(1) through (6) of this section. (b) The State agency may discontinue services immediately if, in the judgment of the State Administrator, exhaustion of the administrative procedures set forth in this subpart at §§658.501 through 658.502 would cause substantial harm to a significant number of workers. In such instances, procedures at §658.503 (b) et seq. shall be followed. (c) For employers who are alleged to have not complied with the terms of the temporary labor certification, State agencies shall notify the Regional Adminstrator of the alleged non-compliance for investigation and pursuant to §655.210 consideration of ineligibility for subsequent temporary labor certification. (a) The State agency shall notify the employer in writing that it intends to discontinue the provision of JS services pursuant to 20 CFR part 653 and the reason therefore: (1) Where the decision is based on submittal and refusal to alter or to withdraw job orders containing specifications contrary to employment-related laws, the State agency shall specify the date the order was submitted, the job order involved, the specifications contrary to employment-related laws and the laws involved. The employer shall be notified in writing that all JS services will be terminated in 20 working days unless the employer within that time: (i) Provides adequate evidence that the specifications are not contrary to employment-related laws, or (ii) Withdraws the specifications and resubmits the job order in compliance with all employment-related laws, or (iii) If the job is no longer available makes assurances that all future job orders submitted will be in compliance with all employment-related laws, or (iv) Requests a hearing from the State agency pursuant to §658.417. (2) Where the decision is based on the employer's submittal of an order and refusal to provide assurances that the job is in compliance with employment-related laws or to withdraw the order, the State agency shall specify the date the order was submitted, the job order involved and the assurances involved. The employer shall be notified that all JS services will be terminated within 20 working days unless the employer within that time: (i) Resubmits the order with the appropriate assurances, (ii) If the job is no longer available, make assurances that all future job orders submitted will contain all necessary assurances that the job offered is in compliance with employment-related laws, or (iii) Requests a hearing from the State agency pursuant to §658.417. (3) Where the decision is based on a finding that the employer has misrepresented the terms or conditions of employment specified on job orders or failed to comply fully with assurances made on job orders, the State agency shall specify the basis for that determination. The employer shall be notified that all JS services will be terminated in 20 working days unless the employer within that time: (i) Provides adequate evidence that terms and conditions of employment were not misrepresented, or (ii) Provides adequate evidence that there was full compliance with the assurances made on the job orders, or (iii) Provides resolution of a complaint which is satisfactory to a complainant referred by the JS, and (iv) Provides adequate assurance that specifications on future orders will accurately represent the terms and conditions of employment and that there will be full compliance with all job order assurances, or (v) Requests a hearing from the State agency pursuant to §658.417. (4) Where the decision is based on a final determination by an enforcement agency that the employer-related laws, the State agency shall specify the determination. The employer shall be notified that all JS services will be terminated in 20 working days unless the employer within that time: (i) Provides adequate evidence that the enforcement agency has reversed its ruling and that the employer did not violate employment-related laws, or (ii) Provides adequate evidence that the appropriate fines have been paid and/or appropriate restitution has been made, and (iii) Provides assurances that any policies, procedures, or conditions responsible for the violation have been corrected and the same or similar violations are not likely to occur in the future. (5) Where the decision is based on a finding of a violation of JS regulations under §658.416(d)(4), the State agency shall specify the finding. The employer shall be notified that all JS services will be terminated in 20 working days unless the employer within that time: (i) Provides adequate evidence that the employer did not violate JS regulations, or (ii) Provides adequate evidence that appropriate restitution has been made or remedial action taken, and (iii) Provides assurances that any policies, procedures, or conditions responsible for the violation have been corrected and the same or similar violations are not likely to occur in the future, or (iv) Requests a hearing from the State agency pursuant to §658.417. (6) Where the decision is based on an employer's failure to accept qualified workers referred through the clearance system, the State agency shall specify the workers referred and not accepted. The employer shall be notified that all JS services will be terminated in 20 working days unless the employer within that time: (i) Provides adequate evidence that the workers were accepted, or (ii) Provides adequate evidence that the workers were not available to accept the job, or (iii) Provides adequate evidence that the workers were not qualified, and (iv) Provides adequate assurances that qualified workers referred in the future will be accepted; or (v) Requests a hearing from the State agency pursuant to §658.417. (7) Where the decision is based on lack of cooperation in the conduct of field checks, the State agency shall specify the lack of cooperation, the employer shall be notified that all JS services will be terminated in 20 working days unless the employer within that time: (i) Provides adequate evidence that he did cooperate, or (ii) Cooperates immediately in the conduct of field checks, and (iii) Provides assurances that he/she will cooperate in future field checks in further activity, or (iv) Requests a hearing from the State agency pursuant to §658.417. (b) If the employer chooses to respond pursuant to this section by providing documentary evidence or assurances, he/she must at the same time request a hearing if such hearing is desired in the event that the State agency does not accept the documentary evidence or assurances as adequate. (c) Where the decision is based on repeated initiation of procedures for discontinuation of services, the employer shall be notified that services have been terminated. (d) If the employer makes a timely request for a hearing, in accordance with this section, the State agency shall follow procedures set forth at §658.417 and notify the complainant whenever the discontinuation of services is based on a complaint pursuant to §658.501(a)(5). (a) If the employer does not provide a satisfactory response in accordance with §658.502, within 20 working days, or has not requested a hearing, the State agency shall immediately terminate services to the employer. (b) If services are discontinued to an employer subject to Federal Contractor Job Listing Requirements, the State agency shall notify the ETA regional office immediately. (a) Services may be reinstated to an employer after discontinuation under §658.503, if: (1) The State is ordered to do so by a Federal Administrative Law Judge or Regional Administrator, or (2) (i) The employer provides adequate evidence that any policies, procedures or conditions responsible for the previous discontinuation of services have been corrected and that the same or similar difficulties are not likely to occur in the future, and (ii) The employer provides adequate evidence that the employer has responded adequately to any findings of an enforcement agency, State JS agency, or USES, including restitution to the complainant and the payment of any fines, which were the basis of the discontinuation of services. (b) The State agency shall notify, within 20 working days, the employer requesting reinstatement whether his request has been granted. If the State denies the request for reinstatement, the basis for the denial shall be specified and the employer shall be notified that he/she may request a hearing within 20 working days. (c) If the employer makes a timely request for a hearing, the State agency shall follow the procedures set forth at §658.417. (d) The State agency shall reinstate services to an employer if ordered to do so by a State hearing officer, Regional Administrator, or Federal Administrative Law Judge as a result of a hearing offered pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section. Authority: Wagner-Peyser Act of 1933, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 49 et seq. 5 U.S.C. 301 et seq.
This subpart sets forth the regulations governing review and assessment of State agency compliance with the Job Service regulations at 20 CFR parts 601, 602, 603, 604, 620, 621, 651–658 and 29 CFR part 8. All recordkeeping and reporting requirements contained in parts 653 and 658 have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget as required by the Federal Reports Act of 1942. (a) Each State agency shall establish and maintain a self-appraisal system for job service operations to determine success in reaching goals and to correct deficiencies in performance. The self-appraisal system shall include numerical (quantitative) appraisal and non-numerical (qualitative) appraisal. (1) Numerical appraisal at the local office level shall be conducted as follows: (i) Performance shall be measured on a quarterly-basis against planned service levels as stated in the State Program and Budget Plan (PBP). The State plan shall be consistent with numerical goals contained in local office plans. (ii) To appraise numerical activities/indicators, actual results as shown on the Employment Security Automated Reporting System (ESARS) tables and Cost Accounting Reports shall be compared to planned levels. Variances between achievement and plan shall be identified. (iii) When the numerical appraisal of required activities/indicators identifies significant variances from planned levels, additional analysis shall be conducted to isolate possible contributing factors. This data analysis shall include, as appropriate, comparisons to past performance, attainment of PBP goals and consideration of pertinent non-numerical factors. (iv) Results of local office numerical reviews shall be documented and significant deficiencies identified. A corrective action plan as described in paragraph (a)(6) shall be developed to address these deficiencies. (v) The result of local office appraisal, including corrective action plans, shall be communicated in writing to the next higher level of authority for review. This review shall cover adequacy of analysis, appropriateness of corrective actions, and need for higher level involvement. When this review is conducted at an area or district office, a report describing local office performance within the area or district jurisdiction shall be communicated to the central office on a quarterly basis. (2) Numerical appraisal at the central office level shall be conducted as follows: (i) Performance shall be measured on a quarterly basis against planned service levels as stated in the State Program and Budget Plan (PBP). The State plan shall be consistent with numerical goals contained in local office plans. (ii) To appraise these key numerical activities/indicators, actual results as shown on the Employment Security Automated Reporting System (ESARS) tables and Cost Accounting Reports shall be compared to planned levels. Variances between achievement and plan shall be identified. (iii) The central office shall review Statewide data, and performance against planned service levels as stated in the State Program and Budget Plan (PBP) on at least a quarterly basis to identify significant Statewide deficiencies and to determine the need for additional analysis, including identification of trends, comparisons to past performance, and attainment of PBP goals. (iv) Results of numerical reviews shall be documented and significant deficiencies identified. A corrective action plan as described in paragraph (a)(5) of this section shall be developed to address these deficiencies. These plans shall be submitted to the ETA Regional Office as part of the periodic performance process described at 20 CFR 658.603(d)(2). (3) Nonnumerical (qualitative) appraisal of local office job service title III activities shall be conducted at least annually as follows: (i) Each local office shall assess the quality of its services to applicants, employers, and the community and its compliance with Federal regulations. (ii) At a minimum, nonnumerical review shall include an assessment of the following factors: (A) Appropriateness of services provided to applicants and employers; (B) Timely delivery of services to applicants and employers; (C) Staff responsiveness to individual applicant and employer needs; (D) Thoroughness and accuracy of documents prepared in the course of service delivery; and (E) Effectiveness of JS interface with external organizations, i.e., other ETA funded programs, community groups, etc. (iii) Nonnumerical review methods shall include: (A) Observation of processes; (B) Review of documents used in service provisions; and (C) Solicitation of input from applicants, employers, and the community. (iv) The result of nonnumerical reviews shall be documented and deficiencies identified. A corrective action plan that addresses these deficiencies as described in paragraph (a)(6) of this section shall be developed. (v) The result of local office nonnumerical appraisal, including corrective actions, shall be communicated in writing to the next higher level of authority for review. This review shall cover thoroughness and adequacy of local office appraisal, appropriateness of corrective actions, and need for higher level involvement. When this review is conducted at an area or district level, a report summarizing local office performance within that jurisdiction shall be communicated to the central office on an annual basis. (4) As part of its oversight responsibilities, the central office shall conduct onsite reviews in those local offices which show continuing internal problems or deficiencies in performance as indicated by such sources as data analysis, nonnumerical appraisal, or other sources of information. (5) Nonnumerical (qualitative) review of central office job service activities shall be conducted as follows: (i) Central office operations shall be assessed annually to determine compliance with Federal regulations and to assess progress made on annually established work plans established for central office staff. (ii) Results of nonnumerical reviews shall be documented and deficiencies identified. A corrective action plan that addresses these deficiencies shall be developed. (6) Corrective action plans developed to address deficiencies uncovered at any administrative level within the State as a result of the self-appraisal process shall include: (i) Specific descriptions of the type of action to be taken, the time frame involved and the assignment of responsibility. (ii) Provision for the delivery of technical assistance as needed. (iii) A plan to conduct follow-up on a timely basis to determine if action taken to correct the deficiencies has been effective. (7) (a) The provisions of the JS regulations which require numerical and nonnumerical assessment of service to special applicant groups, e.g., services to veterans at 20 CFR 653.221 through 653.230 and services to MSFWs at 20 CFR 653.108, are supplementary to the provisions of this section. (b) Each State Administrator and local office manager shall assure that their staffs know and carry out JS regulations, including regulations on performance standards and program emphases, and any corrective action plans imposed by the State agency or by the ETA. (c) Each State Administrator shall assure that the State agency complies with its approved program budget plan. (d) Each State Administrator shall assure to the maximum extent feasible the accuracy of data entered by the State agency into ETA required management information systems. Each State agency shall establish and maintain a data validation system pursuant to ETA instructions. The system shall review every local office at least once every four years. The system shall include the validation of time distribution reports and the review of data gathering procedures. The ETA national office shall: (a) Monitor ETA regional offices' carrying out of JS regulations; (b) From time to time, conduct such special reviews and audits as necessary to monitor ETA regional office and State agency compliance with JS regulations; (c) Offer technical assistance to the ETA regional offices and State agencies in carrying out JS regulations and programs; (d) Have report validation surveys conducted in support of resource allocations; (e) Develop tools and techniques for reviewing and assessing State agency performance and compliance with JS regulations. (f) ETA shall appoint a National MSFW Monitor Advocate, who shall devote full time to the duties set forth in this subpart. The National MSFW Monitor Advocate shall: (i) Review the effective functioning of the Regional and State MSFW Monitor Advocates; (ii) Review the performance of State agencies in providing the full range of JS services to MSFWs; (iii) Take steps to resolve or refer JS-related problems of MSFWs which come to his/her attention; (iv) Take steps to refer non JS-related problems of MSFWs which come to his/her attention; (v) Recommend to the Administrator changes in policy toward MSFWs; and (vi) Serve as an advocate to improve services for MSFWs within JS. The National MSFW Monitor Advocate shall be a member of the National Farm Labor Coordinated Enforcement Staff Level Working Committee. (1) The National MSFW Monitor Advocate shall be appointed by the Administrator after informing farmworker organizations and other organizations with expertise concerning MSFWs of the openings and encouraging them to refer qualified applicants to apply through the federal merit system. Among qualified candidates, determined through merit systems procedures, individuals shall be sought who meet the criteria used in the selection of the State MSFW Monitor Advocates, as provided in §653.108(b). (2) The National MSFW Monitor Advocate shall be assigned staff necessary to fulfill effectively all the responsibilities set forth in this subpart. (3) The National MSFW Monitor Advocate shall submit an annual report (“Annual Report”) to the Administrator, the ETA Assistant Secretary, and the National Farm Labor Coordinating Committee covering the matters set forth in this subpart. (4) The National MSFW Monitor Advocate shall monitor and assess State agency compliance with JS regulations affecting MSFWs on a continuing basis. His/her assessment shall consider (i) Information from Regional and State MSFW Monitor Advocates; (ii) Program performance data, including the service indicators; (iii) Periodic reports from regional offices; (iv) All federal on-site reviews; (v) Selected State on-site reviews; (vi) Other relevant reports prepared by USES; (vii) Information received from farmworker organizations and employers; and (viii) His/her personal observations from visits to State JS offices, agricultural work sites and migrant camps. In the Annual Report, the National MSFW Monitor Advocate shall include both a quantitative and qualitative analysis of his/her findings and the implementation of his/her recommendations by State and federal officials, and shall address the information obtained from all of the foregoing sources. (5) The National MSFW Monitor Advocate shall review the activities of the State/federal monitoring system as it applies to services to MSFWs and the JS complaint system including the effectiveness of the regional monitoring function in each region and shall recommend any appropriate changes in the operation of the system. The National MSFW Monitor Advocate's findings and recommendations shall be fully set forth in the Annual Report. (6) If the National MSFW Monitor Advocate finds that the effectiveness of any Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate has been substantially impeded by the Regional Administrator or other Regional Office official, he/she shall, if unable to resolve such problems informally, report and recommend appropriate actions directly to the Administrator. If the National MSFW Monitor Advocate receives information that the effectiveness of any State Monitor Advocate has been substantially impeded by the State Administrator or other State or federal JS official, he/she shall, in the absence of a satisfactory informal resolution at the regional level, report and recommend appropriate actions directly to the Administrator. (7) The National MSFW Monitor Advocate shall be informed of all proposed changes in policy and practice within USES, including JS regulations, which may affect the delivery of services to MSFWs. The National MSFW Monitor Advocate shall advise the Administrator concerning all such proposed changes which may adversely affect MSFWs. The National MSFW Monitor Advocate shall propose directly to the Administrator changes in JS policy and administration which may substantially improve the delivery of services to MSFWs. He/she shall also recommend changes in the funding of state agencies and/or adjustment or reallocation of the discretionary portions of funding formulae. (8) The National MSFW Monitor Advocate shall participate in the review and assessment activities required in this section and §658.700 et seq. As part of such participation, the National MSFW Monitor Advocate, or if he/she is unable to participate a Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate, shall accompany the National Office review team on National Office on-site reviews. The National MSFW Monitor Advocate shall engage in the following activities in the course of each State on-site review: (i) He/she shall accompany selected outreach workers on their field visits. (ii) He/she shall participate in a random field check[s] of migrant camps or work site[s] where MSFWs have been placed on inter or intra state clearance orders. (iii) He/she shall contact local WIA 167 National Farmworker Jobs program organizations or other farmworker organizations as part of the on-site review, and, conduct an interview with representatives of the organizations. (iv) He/she shall meet with the State MSFW Monitor Advocate and discuss the full range of the JS services to MSFWs, including the monitoring and complaint systems. (9) In addition to the duties specified in paragraph (f)(8) of this section, the National MSFW Monitor Advocate each year during the harvest season shall visit the four states with the highest level of MSFW activity during the prior fiscal year, if they are not scheduled for a National Office on-site review during the current fiscal year, and shall: (i) Meet with the State MSFW Monitor Advocate and other central office staff to discuss MSFW service delivery, and (ii) contact representatives of MSFW organizations and interested employer organizations to obtain information concerning JS service delivery and coordination with other agencies. (10) The National MSFE Monitor Advocate shall perform the duties specified in §658.700. As part of this function, he/she shall monitor the performance of regional offices in imposing corrective action. The National MSFW Monitor Advocate shall report any deficiencies in performance to the Administrator. (11) The National MSFW Monitor Advocate shall establish routine and regular contacts with WIA 167 National Farmworker Jobs program organizations, other farmworker organizations and agricultural employers and/or employer organizations. He/she shall attend conferences or meetings of these groups wherever possible and shall report to the Administrator and the National Farm Labor Coordinated Enforcement Committee on these contacts when appropriate. The National MSFW Monitor Advocate shall include in the Annual Report recommendations as to how DOL might better coordinate JS and WIA 167 National Farmworker Jobs program services as they pertain to MSFWs. (12) In the event that any State or Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate, enforcement agency or MSFW group refers a matter to the National MSFW Monitor Advocate which requires emergency action, he/she shall assist them in obtaining action by appropriate agencies and staff, inform the originating party of the action taken, and, upon request, provide written conformation. (13) Through all the mechanisms provided in this subpart, the National MSFW Monitor Advocate shall aggressively seek to ascertain and remedy, if possible, systemic deficiencies in the provisions of JS services and protections afforded by these regulations to MSFWs. The National MSFW Monitor Advocate shall: (i) Use the regular reports on complaints submitted by State agencies and ETA regional offices to assess the adequacy of these systems and to determine the existence of systemic deficiencies. (ii) Provide technical assistance to ETA regional office and State agency staffs for administering the JS complaint system. (iii) Recommend to the Administrator specific instructions for action by regional office staff to correct any JS-related systemic deficiencies. Prior to any ETA review of regional office operations concerning JS services to MSFWs, the National MSFW Monitor Advocate shall provide to the Administrator a brief summary of JS-related services to MSFWs in that region and his/her recommendations for incorporation in the regional review materials as the Administrator and ETA reviewing organization deem appropriate. (iv) Recommend to the National Farm Labor Coordinated Enforcement Committee specific instructions for action by ESA and OSHA regional office staff to correct any non-JS-related systemic deficiencies of which he/she is aware. [45 FR 39468, June 10, 1980, as amended at 71 FR 35523, June 21, 2006] (a) The Regional Administrator shall have responsibility for the regular review and assessment of State agency performance and compliance with JS regulations. (b) The Regional Administrator shall review and approve annual program budget plans for the State agencies within the region. In reviewing the program budget plans the Regional Administrator shall consider relevant factors including the following: (1) State agency compliance with JS regulations; (2) State agency performance against the goals and objectives established in the previous year's program budget plan; (3) The effect which economic conditions and other external factors considered by the ETA in the resource allocation process may have had or are expected to have on State agency performance; (4) State agency adherence to national program emphasis; and (5) The adequacy and appropriateness of the program budget plan for carrying out JS programs. (c) The Regional Administrator shall assess the overall performance of State agencies on an ongoing basis through desk reviews and the use of required reporting systems and other available information. (d) As appropriate, Regional Administrators shall conduct or have conducted: (1) Comprehensive on-site reviews of State agencies and their offices to review State agency organization, management, and program operations; (2) Periodic performance reviews of State agency operation of JS programs to measure actual performance against the program budget plan, past performance, the performance of other State agencies, etc.; (3) Audits of State agency programs to review State agency program activity and to assess whether the expenditure of grant funds has been in accordance with the approved budget. Regional Administrators may also conduct audits through other agencies or organizations or may require the State agency to have audits conducted; (4) Validations of data entered into management information systems to assess: (i) The accuracy of data entered by the State agencies into management information system; (ii) Whether the State agencies' data validating and reviewing procedures conform to ETA instructions; and (iii) Whether State agencies have implemented any corrective action plans required by the ETA to remedy deficiencies in their validation programs; (5) Technical assistance programs to assist State agencies in carrying out JS regulations and programs; (6) Reviews to assess whether the State agency has complied with corrective action plans imposed by the ETA or by the State agency itself; and (7) Random, unannounced field checks of a sample of agricultural work sites to which JS placements have been made through the clearance system to determine and document whether wages, hours, working and housing conditions are as specified on the job order. If regional office staff find reason to believe that conditions vary from job order specifications, findings should be documented on the JS Complaint Referral Form and provided to the State agency to be handled as a complaint under §658.411(b). (e) The Regional Administrator shall provide technical assistance to State agencies to assist them in carrying out JS regulations and programs. (f) The Regional Administrator shall appoint a Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate who shall devote full time to the duties set forth in this subpart. The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall: (i) Review the effective functioning of the State MSFW Monitor Advocates in his/her region; (ii) Review the performance of State agencies in providing the full range of JS services to MSFWs; (iii) Take steps to resolve JS-related problems of MSFWs which come to his/her attention; (iv) Recommend to the Regional Administrator changes in policy towards MSFWs; (v) Review the operation of the JS complaint system; and (vi) Serve as an advocate to improve service for MSFWs within JS. The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall be a member of the Regional Farm Labor Coordinated Enforcement Committee. (1) The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall be appointed by the Regional Administrator after informing farmworker organizations and other organizations in the region with expertise concerning MSFWs of the opening and encouraging them to refer qualified applicants to apply through the federal merit system. The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall have direct personal access to the Regional Administrator wherever he/she finds it necessary. Among qualified candidates, individuals shall be sought who meet the criteria used in the selection of the State MSFW Monitor Advocates, as provided in §653.108(b). (2) The Regional Administrator shall ensure that staff necessary to fulfill effectively all the regional office responsibilities set forth in this subsection are assigned. The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall notify the Regional Administrator of any staffing deficiencies and the Regional Administrator shall take appropriate action. (3) The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate within the first three months of their tenure shall participate in a training session(s) approved by the National office. (4) At the regional level, the Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall have primary responsibility for (i) monitoring the effectiveness of the JS complaint system set forth at subpart E of this part; (ii) apprising appropriate State and ETA officials of deficiencies in the complaint system; and (iii) providing technical assistance to State MSFW Monitor Advocates in the region. (5) At the ETA regional level, the Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall have primary responsibility for ensuring that State agency compliance with JS regulations as they pertain to services to MSFWs is monitored by the regional office. He/she shall independently assess on a continuing basis the provision of JS services to MSFWs, seeking out and using: (i) Information from State MSWF Monitor Advocates, including all reports and other documents; (ii) program performance data; (iii) the periodic and other required reports from State JS offices; (iv) federal on-site reviews; (v) other reports prepared by the National office; (vi) information received from farmworker organizations and employers; and (vii) any other pertinent information which comes to his/her attention from any possible source. In addition, the Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall consider his/her personal observations from visits to JS offices, agricultural work sites and migrant camps. The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall assist the Regional Administrator and other appropriate line officials in applying appropriate corrective and remedial actions to State agencies. (6) The Regional Administrator's quarterly report to the National office shall include the Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate's summary of his/her independent assessment as required in paragraph (f)(5) of this section. The fourth quarter summary shall include an annual summary from the region. The summary also shall include both a quantitative and a qualitative analysis of his/her reviews and shall address all the matters with respect to which he/she has responsibilities under these regulations. (7) The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall review the activities and performance of the State MSFW Monitor Advocates and the State monitoring system in the region, and shall recommend any appropriate changes in the operation of the system to the Regional Administrator. The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate's review shall include a determination whether the State MSFW Monitor Advocate (i) does not have adequate access to information, (ii) is being impeded in fulfilling his/her duties, or (iii) is making recommendations which are being consistently ignored by State agency officials. If the Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate believes that the effectiveness of any State MSFW Monitor Advocate has been substantially impeded by the State Administrator, other State office officials, or any Federal officials, he/she shall report and recommend appropriate actions to the Regional Administrator. Information copies of the recommendations shall be provided the National MSFW Monitor Advocate. (8) The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall be informed of all proposed changes in policy and practice within USES, including JS regulations, which may affect the delivery of services to MSFWs. He/she shall advise the Regional Administrator on all such proposed changes which, in his/her opinion, may adversely affect MSFWs or which may substantially improve the delivery of services to MSFWs. The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate may also recommend changes in JS policy or regulations, as well as changes in the funding of State agencies and/or adjustments of reallocation of the discretionary portions of funding formulae as they pertain to MSFWs. (9) The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall participate in the review and assessment activities required in this section and §658.700 et seq. He/she, an Assistant, or another Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate, shall participate in national office and regional office on-site statewide reviews of JS services to MSFWs in States in the region. The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall engage in the following activities in the course of participating in an on-site State agency review: (i) He/she shall accompany selected outreach workers on their field visits; (ii) He/she shall participate in a random field check of migrant camps or work sites where MSFWs have been placed on inter or intrastate clearance orders; (iii) He/she shall contact local WIA 167 National Farmworker Jobs program organizations or other farmworker organizations as part of the on-site review, and shall conduct interviews with representatives of the organizations; and (iv) He/she shall meet with the State MSFW Monitor Advocate and discuss the full range of the JS services to MSFWs, including the monitoring and complaint system. (10) During the calendar quarter preceding the time of peak MSFW activity in each State, the Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall meet with the State MSFW Monitor Advocate and shall review in detail the State agency's capability for providing full services to MSFWs as required by JS regulations, during the upcoming harvest season. The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall offer technical assistance and recommend to the State agency and/or the Regional Administrator any changes in State policy or practice that he/she finds necessary. (11) The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate each year during the peak harvest season shall visit each state in the region not scheduled for an on-site review during that fiscal year and shall: (i) Meet with the State MSFW Monitor Advocate and other central office staff to discuss MSFW service delivery, and (ii) contact representatives of MSFW organizations to obtain information concerning JS service delivery and coordination with other agencies and interested employer organizations. (12) The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall initiate and maintain regular and personal contacts, including informal contacts in addition to those specifically required by these regulations, with State MSFW Monitor Advocates in the region. In addition, the Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall have personal and regular contact with the National MSFW Monitor Advocate. The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall also establish routine and regular contacts with WIA 167 National Farmworker Jobs program organizations, other farmworker organizations and agricultural employers and/or employer organizations in his/her region. He/she shall attend conferences or meetings of these groups wherever possible and shall report to the Regional Administrator and the Regional Farm Labor Coordinated Enforcement Committee on these contacts when appropriate. He/she shall also make recommendations as to how DOL might better coordinate JS and WIA 167 National Farmworker Jobs program services to MSFWs. (13) The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall attend MSFW-related public meeting(s) conducted in the region, pursuant to 29 CFR 42.20. Following such meetings or hearings, the Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall take such steps or make such recommendations to the Regional Administrator, as he/she deems necessary to remedy problem(s) or condition(s) identified or described therein. (14) The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall attempt to achieve regional solutions to any problems, deficiencies or improper practices concerning services to MSFWs which are regional in scope. Further, he/she shall recommend policies, offer technical assistance or take any other necessary steps as he/she deems desirable or appropriate on a regional, rather than state-by-state basis, to promote region-wide improvement in JS services to MSFWs. He/she shall facilitate region-wide coordination and communication regarding provision of JS services to MSFWs among State MSFW Monitor Advocates, State Administrators and federal ETA officials to the greatest extent possible. In the event that any State or other Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate, enforcement agency, or MSFW group refers a matter to the Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate which requires emergency action, he/she shall assist them in obtaining action by appropriate agencies and staff, inform the originating party of the action taken, and, upon request, provide written confirmation. (15) The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall initiate and maintain such contacts as he/she deems necessary with Regional MSFW Monitor Advocates in other regions to seek to resolve problems concerning MSFWs who work, live or travel through the region. He/she shall recommend to the Regional Administrator and/or the National office inter-regional cooperation on any particular matter, problem, or policy with respect to which inter-regional action is desirable. (16) The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall establish regular contacts with the ESA and OSHA farmworker specialists in the region and, to the extent necessary, shall establish contacts with the staff of other DOL agencies represented on the Regional Farm Labor Coordinated Enforcement Committee. The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall coordinate his/her efforts with specialists in the region to ensure that the policy specified in 29 CFR 42.20(c)(3) is followed. (17) The Regional MSFW Monitor Advocate shall participate in the regional reviews of State agency Program Budget Plans, and shall comment to the Regional Administrator as to the adequacy of the affirmative action plans, the outreach plans, and other specific plans included therein. [45 FR 39468, June 10, 1980, as amended at 71 FR 35523, June 21, 2006] (a) State agencies shall compile program performance data required by ETA, including statistical information on program operations. (b) The ETA shall use the program performance data in assessing and evaluating whether the State agencies have complied with JS regulations and their State agency program budget plans. (c) In assessing and evaluating program performance data, the ETA shall act in accordance with the following general principles: (1) The fact that the program performance data from a State agency, whether overall or relative to a particular program activity, indicate poor program performance does not by itself constitute a violation of JS regulations or of the State agency's responsibilities under its State agency program budget plan; (2) Program performance data, however, may so strongly indicate that a State agency's performance is poor that the data may raise a presumption (prima facie case) that a State agency is violating JS regulations or the State agency program budget plan. A State agency's failure to meet the operational objectives set forth in the PBP shall raise a presumption that the agency is violating JS regulations and/or its PBP. In such cases the ETA shall afford the State agency an opportunity to rebut the presumption of a violation pursuant to the procedures at subpart H of this part. (3) The ETA shall take into account that certain program performance data may measure items over which State agencies have direct or substantial control while other data may measure items over which the State agency has indirect or minimal control. (i) Generally, for example, a State agency has direct and substantial control over the delivery of job services such as referrals to jobs, job development contacts, applicant counseling, referrals to supportive services and the conduct of field checks. (ii) State agencies, however, have only indirect control over the outcome of services. State agencies, for example, cannot guarantee that an employer will hire a referred applicant, nor can they guarantee that the terms and conditions of employment will be as stated on a job order. (iii) Outside forces, moreover, such as a sudden heavy increase in unemployment rates, a strike by State agency employees, or a severe drought or flood may skew the results measured by program performance data; (4) The ETA shall consider a State agency's failure to keep accurate and complete program performance data required by JS regulations as a violation of the JS regulations. (a) The Regional Administrator shall inform State agencies in writing of the results of review and assessment activities and, as appropriate, shall discuss with the State Administrator the impact or action required by ETA as a result of review and assessment activities. (b) The ETA national office shall transmit the results of any review and assessment activities conducted by it to the Regional Administrator who shall send the information to the State agency. (c) Whenever the review and assessment indicates a State agency violation of JS regulations or its State agency program budget plan, the Regional Administrator shall follow the procedures set forth at subpart H of this part. (d) Regional Administrators shall follow-up any corrective action plan imposed on a State agency under subpart H of this part by further review and assessment of the State agency pursuant to this subpart. Authority: Wagner-Peyser Act of 1933, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.; 5 U.S.C. 301 et seq.
This subpart sets forth the procedures which ETA shall follow upon either discovering independently or receiving from other(s) information indicating that State agencies may not be adhering to JS regulations. (a) It is the policy of the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) to take all necessary action, including the imposition of the full range of sanctions set forth in this subpart, to ensure that State agencies comply with all requirements established by JS regulations. (b) It is the policy of ETA to initiate decertification procedures against State agencies in instances of serious or continual violations of JS regulations if less stringent remedial actions taken in accordance with this subpart fail to resolve noncompliance. (c) It is the policy of the ETA to act on information concerning alleged violations by State agencies of the JS regulations received from any person or organization. (a) The ETA Regional Administrator shall be responsible for ensuring that all State agencies in his/her region are in compliance with JS regulations. (b) Wherever a Regional Administrator discovers or is apprised of possible State agency violations of JS regulations by the review and assessment activities under subpart G of this part, or through required reports or written complaints from individuals, organizations or employers which are elevated to ETA after the exhaustion of State agency administrative remedies, the Regional Administrator shall conduct an investigation. Within 10 days after receipt of the report or other information, the Regional Administrator shall make a determination whether there is probable cause to believe that a State agency has violated JS regulations. (c) The Regional Administrator shall accept complaints regarding possible State agency violations of JS regulations from employee organizations, employers or other groups, without exhaustion of the complaint process described at subpart E, if the Regional Administrator determines that the nature and scope of the complaint are such that the time required to exhaust the administrative procedures at the State level would adversely affect a significant number of applicants. In such cases, the Regional Administrator shall investigate the matter within 10 working days, may provide the State agency 10 working days for comment, and shall make a determination within an additional 10 working days whether there is probable cause to believe that the State agency has violated JS regulations. (d) If the Regional Administrator determines that there is no probable cause to believe that a State agency has violated JS regulations, he/she shall retain all reports and supporting information in ETA files. In all cases where the Regional Administrator has insufficient information to make a probable cause determination, he/she shall so notify the Administrator in writing and the time for the investigation shall be extended 20 additional working days. (e) If the Regional Administrator determines that there is probable cause to believe that a State agency has violated JS regulations, he/she shall issue a Notice of Initial Findings of Non-compliance by registered mail to the offending State agency. The Notice will specify the nature of the violation, cite the regulations involved, and indicate corrective action which may be imposed in accordance with paragraphs (g) and (h) of this section. If the non-compliance involves services to MSFWs or the JS complaint system, a copy of said notice shall be sent to the National MSFW Monitor Advocate. (f)(1) The State agency shall have 20 working days to comment on the findings, or a longer period, up to 20 additional days, if the Regional Administrator determines that such a longer period is appropriate. The State agency's comments shall include agreement or disagreement with the findings and suggested corrective actions, where appropriate. (2) After the period elapses, the Regional Administrator shall prepare within 20 working days, written final findings which specify whether or not the State agency has violated JS regulations. If in the final findings the Regional Administrator determines that the State agency has not violated JS regulations, the Regional Administrator shall notify the State Administrator of this finding and retain supporting documents in his/her files. If the final finding involves services to MSFWs or the JS complaint system, the Regional Administrator shall also notify the National Monitor Advocate. If the Regional Administrator determines that a State agency has violated JS regulations, the Regional Administrator shall prepare a Final Notice of Noncompliance which shall specify the violation(s) and cite the regulations involved. The Final Notice of Noncompliance shall be sent to the State agency by registered mail. If the noncompliance involves services to MSFWs or the JS complaint system, a copy of the Final Notice shall be sent to the National MSFW Monitor Advocate. (g) If the violation involves the misspending of grant funds, the Regional Administrator may order in the Final Notice of Noncompliance a disallowance of the expenditure and may either demand repayment or withhold future funds in the amount in question. If the Regional Administrator disallows costs, the Regional Administrator shall give the reasons for the disallowance, inform the State agency that the disallowance is effective immediately and that no more funds may be spent in the unallowed manner, and offer the State agency the opportunity to request a hearing pursuant to §658.707. The offer, or the acceptance of an offer of a hearing, however, shall not stay the effectiveness of the disallowance. The Regional Administrator shall keep complete records of the disallowance. (h) If the violation does not involve misspending of grant funds or the Regional Administrator determines that the circumstances warrant other action: (1) The Final Notice of Noncompliance shall direct the State agency to implement a specific corrective action plan to correct all violations. If the State agency's comment demonstrates with supporting evidence (except where inappropriate) that all violations have already been corrected, the Regional Administrator need not impose a corrective action plan and instead may cite the violations and accept their resolution, subject to follow-up review, if necessary. If the Regional Administrator determines that the violation(s) cited had been found previously and that the corrective action(s) taken had not corrected the violation(s) contrary to the findings of previous follow-up reviews, the Regional Administrator shall apply remedial actions to the State agency pursuant to §658.704. (2) The Final Notice of Noncompliance shall specify the time by which each corrective action must be taken. This period shall not exceed 40 working days unless the Regional Administrator determines that exceptional circumstances necessitate corrective actions requiring a longer time period. In such cases, and if the violations involve services to MSFWs or the JS complaint system, the Regional Administrator shall notify the Administrator in writing of the exceptional circumstances which necessitate a longer time period, and shall specify that time period. The specified time period shall commence with the date of signature on the registered mail receipt. (3) When the time period provided for in paragraph (h)(2) of this section elapses, ETA staff shall review the State agency's efforts as documented by the State agency to determine if the corrective action(s) has been taken and if the State agency has achieved compliance with JS regulations. If necessary, ETA staff shall conduct a follow-up visit as part of this review. (4) If, as a result of this review, the Regional Administrator determines that the State agency has corrected the violation(s), the Regional Administrator shall record the basis for this determination, notify the State agency, send a copy to the Administrator, and retain a copy in ETA files. (5) If, as a result of this review, the Regional Administrator determines that the State has taken corrective action but is unable to determine if the violation has been corrected due to seasonality or other factors, the Regional Administrator shall notify in writing the State agency and the Administrator of his/her findings. The Regional Administrator shall conduct further follow-up at an appropriate time to make a final determination if the violation has been corrected. If the Regional Administrator's further follow-up reveals that violations have not been corrected, the Regional Administrator shall apply remedial actions to the State agency pursuant to §658.704. (6) If, as a result of the review the Regional Administrator determines that the State agency has not corrected the violations and has not made good faith efforts and adequate progress toward the correction of the violations, the Regional Administrator shall apply remedial actions to the State agency pursuant to §658.704. (7) If, as a result of the review, the Regional Administrator determines that the State agency has made good faith efforts and adequate progress toward the correction of the violation and it appears that the violation will be fully corrected within a reasonable time period, the State agency shall be advised by registered mail (with a copy sent to the Administrator) of this conclusion, of remaining differences, of further needed corrective action, and that all deficiencies must be corrected within a specified time period. This period shall not exceed 40 working days unless the Regional Administrator determines that exceptional circumstances necessitate corrective action requiring a longer time period. In such cases, the Regional Administrator shall notify the Administrator in writing of the exceptional circumstances which necessitate a longer time period, and shall specify that time period. The specified time period shall commence with the date of signature on the registered mail receipt. (8) (i) If the State agency has been given an additional time period pursuant to paragraph (b)(7) of this section, ETA staff shall review the State agency's efforts as documented by the State agency at the end of the time period. If necessary, ETA shall conduct a follow-up visit as part of this review. (ii) If the State agency has corrected the violation(s), the Regional Administrator shall document that finding, notify in writing the State agency and the Administrator, and retain supporting documents in ETA files. If the State agency has not corrected the violation(s), the Regional Administrator shall apply remedial actions pursuant to §658.704. In critical situations as determined by the Regional Administrator, where it is necessary to protect the integrity of the funds, or insure the proper operation of the program, the Regional Administrator may impose immediate corrective action. Where immediate corrective action is imposed, the Regional Administrator shall notify the State agency of the reason for imposing the corrective action prior to providing the State agency an opportunity to comment. (a) If a State agency fails to correct violations as determined pursuant to §658.702, the Regional Administrator shall apply one or more of the following remedial actions to the State agency: (1) Imposition of special reporting requirements for a specified period of time; (2) Restrictions of obligational authority within one or more expense classifications; (3) Implementation of specific operating systems or procedures for a specified time; (4) Requirement of special training for State agency personnel; (5) With the approval of the Assistant Secretary and after affording the State Administrator the opportunity to request a conference with the Assistant Secretary, the elevation of specific decision-making functions from the State Administrator to the Regional Administrator; (6) With the approval of the Assistant Secretary and after affording the State Administrator the opportunity to request a conference with the Assistant Secretary, the imposition of Federal staff in key State agency positions; (7) With the approval of the Assistant Secretary and after affording the State Administrator the opportunity to request a conference with the Assistant Secretary, funding of the State agency on a short-term basis or partial withholding of funds for a specific function or for a specific geographical area; (8) Holding of public hearings in the State on the State agency's deficiencies; (9) Disallowance of funds pursuant to §658.702(g); or (10) If the matter involves a serious or continual violation, the initiation of decertification procedures against the State agency, as set forth in paragraph (e) of this section. (b) The Regional Administrator shall send, by registered mail, a Notice of Remedial Action to the State agency. The Notice of Remedial Action shall set forth the reasons for the remedial action. When such a notice is the result of violations of regulations governing services to MSFWs (20 CFR 653.100 et seq.) or the JS complaint system (20 CFR 658.400 et seq.), a copy of said notice shall be sent to the OWI Administrator, who shall publish the notice promptly in the (c) If the remedial action is other than decertification, the notice shall state that the remedial action shall take effect immediately. The notice shall also state that the State agency may request a hearing pursuant to §658.707 by filing a request in writing with the Regional Administrator pursuant to §658.707 within 20 working days of the State agency's receipt of the notice. The offer of hearing, or the acceptance thereof, however, shall not stay the implementation of remedial action. (d) Within 60 working days after the initial application of remedial action, the Regional Administrator shall conduct a review of the State agency's compliance with JS regulations unless the Regional Administrator determines that a longer time period is necessary. In such cases, the Regional Administrator shall notify the OWI Administrator in writing of the circumstances which necessitate a longer time period, and specify that time period. If necessary, ETA staff shall conduct a follow-up visit as part of this review. If the State agency is in compliance with the JS regulations, the Regional Administrator shall fully document these facts and shall terminate the remedial actions. The Regional Administrator shall notify the State agency of his/her findings. When the case involves violations of regulations governing services to MSFWs or the JS complaint system, a copy of said notice shall be sent to the OWI Administrator, who shall promptly publish the notice in the (e) If, upon conducting the on-site review referred to in paragraph (c) of this section, the Regional Administrator finds that the State agency remains in noncompliance, the Regional Administrator shall continue the remedial action and/or impose different additional remedial actions. The Regional Administrator shall fully document all such decisions and, when the case involves violations of regulations governing services to MSFWs or the JS complaint system, shall send copies to the OWI Administrator, who shall promptly publish the notice in the (f) (1) If the State agency has not brought itself into compliance with JS regulations within 120 working days of the initial application of remedial action, the Regional Administrator shall initiate decertification unless the Regional Administrator determines that circumstances necessitate continuing remedial action for a longer period of time. In such cases, the Regional Administrator shall notify the OWI Administrator in writing of the circumstances which necessitate the longer time period, and specify the time period. (2) The Regional Administrator shall notify the State agency by registered mail of the decertification proceedings, and shall state the reasons therefor. Whenever such a notice is sent to a State agency, the Regional Administrator shall prepare five indexed copies containing, in chronological order, all the documents pertinent to the case along with a request for decertification stating the grounds therefor. One copy shall be retained. Two shall be sent to the ETA national office, one shall be sent to the Solicitor of Labor, Attention: Associate Solicitor for Employment and Training, and, if the case involves violations of regulations governing services to MSFWs or the complaint system, one copy shall be sent to the National MSFW Monitor Advocate. The notice sent by the Regional Administrator shall be published promptly in the [45 FR 39468, June 10, 1980, as amended at 71 FR 35523, June 21, 2006] (a) Within 30 working days of receiving a request for decertification, the Assistant Secretary for ETA shall review the case and shall decide whether to proceed with decertification. (b) The Assistant Secretary shall grant the request for decertification unless he/she makes a finding that (1) the violations of JS regulations are neither serious nor continual; (2) the State agency is in compliance; or (3) the Assistant Secretary has reason to believe that the State agency will achieve compliance within 80 working days unless exceptional circumstances necessitate a longer time period, pursuant to the remedial action already applied or to be applied. (In the event the Assistant Secretary does not have sufficient information to act upon the request, he/she may postpone the determination for up to an additional 20 working days in order to obtain any available additional information.) In making a determination of whether violations are “serious” or “continual,” as required by this subsection, the Assistant Secretary shall consider: (i) Statewide or multiple deficiencies as shown by performance data and/or on-site reviews; (ii) Recurrent violations, even if they do not persist over consecutive reporting periods, and (iii) The good faith efforts of the State to achieve full compliance with JS regulations as shown by the record. (c) If the Assistant Secretary denies a request for decertification, he/she shall write a complete report documenting his/her findings and, if appropriate, instructing that an alternate remedial action or actions be applied. Copies of the report shall be sent to the Regional Administrator. Notice of the Assistant Secretary's decision shall be published promptly in the (d) If the Assistant Secretary decides that decertification is appropriate, he/she shall submit the case to the Secretary providing written explanation for his/her recommendation of decertification. (e) Within 30 working days after receiving the report of the Assistant Secretary, the Secretary shall determine whether to decertify the State agency. The Secretary shall grant the request for decertification unless he/she makes one of the three findings set forth in §658.705(b). If the Secretary decides not to decertify, he/she shall then instruct that remedial action be continued or that alternate actions be applied. The Secretary shall write a report explaining his/her reasons for not decertifying the State agency and copies will be sent to the State agency. Notice of the Secretary's decision shall be published promptly in the (f) Where either the Assistant Secretary or the Secretary denies a request for decertification and order further remedial action, the Regional Administrator shall continue to monitor the State agency's compliance. If the agency achieves compliance within the time period established pursuant to §658.705(b), the Regional Administrator shall terminate the remedial actions. If the State agency fails to achieve full compliance within that time period after the Secretary's decision not to decertify, the Regional Administrator shall submit a report of his/her findings to the Assistant Secretary who shall reconsider the request for decertification pursuant to the requirements of §658.705(b). If the Secretary decides to decertify a State agency, he/she shall send a Notice of Decertification to the State agency stating the reasons for this action and providing a 10 working day period during which the State agency may request an administrative hearing in writing to the Secretary. The notice shall be published promptly in the (a) Any State agency which received a Notice of Decertification under §658.706 or a notice of disallowance under §658.702 may request a hearing on the issue by filing a written request for hearing with the Secretary within 10 working days of receipt of the notice. This request shall state the reasons the State agency believes the basis of the decision to be wrong, and it must be signed by the State Administrator. (b) When the Secretary receives a request for a hearing from a State agency, he/she shall send copies of a file containing all materials and correspondence relevant to the case to the Assistant Secretary, the Regional Administrator, the Solicitor of Labor, and the Chief Administrative Law Judge of the DOL. When the case involves violations of regulations governing services to MSFWs or the ES complaint system, a copy shall be sent to the National MSFW Monitor Advocate. (c) The Secretary shall publish notice of hearing in the (a) Upon receipt of a hearing file by the Chief Administrative Law Judge, the case shall be docketed and notice sent by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the Solicitor of Labor, Attention: Associate Solicitor for Employment and Training, the Administrator, the Regional Administrator and the State Administrator. The notice shall set a time, place, and date for a hearing on the matter and shall advise the parties that: (1) They may be represented at the hearing; (2) They may present oral and documentary evidence at the hearing; (3) They may cross-examine opposing witnesses at the hearing; and (4) They may request rescheduling of the hearing if the time, place, or date set are inconvenient. (b) The Solicitor of Labor or the Solicitor's designee shall represent the Department at the hearing. (a) Hearings shall be conducted in accordance with sections 5–8 of the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 553 et seq. (b) Technical rules of evidence shall not apply, but rules or principles designed to assure production of the most credible evidence available and to subject testimony to test by cross-examination, shall be applied if necessary by the Administrative Law Judge conducting the hearing. The Administrative Law Judge may exclude irrelevant, immaterial or unduly repetitious evidence. All documents and other evidence offered or taken for the record shall be open to examination by the parties. Opportunity shall be given to refute facts and arguments advanced on either side of the issue. A transcript shall be made of the oral evidence except to the extent the substance thereof is stipulated for the record. (c) The general provisions governing discovery as provided in the Rules of Civil Procedure for the United States District Court, title V, 28 U.S.C., rules 26 through 37, may be made applicable to the extent that the Administrative Law Judge concludes that their use would promote the proper advancement of the hearing. (d) When a public officer is a respondent in a hearing in an official capacity and during its pendency dies, resigns, or otherwise ceases to hold office, the proceeding does not abate and the officer's successor is automatically substituted as a party. Proceedings following the substitution shall be in the name of the substituted party, but any misnomer not affecting the substantive rights of the parties shall be disregarded. An order of substitution may be entered at any time, but the omission to enter such an order shall not affect the substitution. (a) The Administrative Law Judge shall have jurisdiction to decide all issues of fact and related issues of law and to grant or deny appropriate motions, but shall not have jurisdiction to decide upon the validity of Federal statutes or regulations. (b) The decision of the Administrative Law Judge shall be based on the hearing record, shall be in writing and shall state the factual and legal basis of the decision. Notice of the decision shall be published in the (c) Except when the case involves the decertification of a State agency, the decision of the Administrative Law Judge shall be the final decision of the Secretary. (d) If the case involves the decertification of an appeal to the State agency, the decision of the Administrative Law Judge shall contain a notice stating that, within 30 calendar days of the decision, the State agency or the Administrator may appeal to the Administrative Review Board, United States Department of Labor, by sending by registered mail, return receipt requested, a written appeal to the Administrative Review Board, in care of the Administrative Law Judge who made the decision. [45 FR 39468, June 10, 1980, as amended at 61 FR 19983, May 3, 1996] (a) Upon the receipt of an appeal to the Administrative Review Board, United States Department of Labor, the Administrative Law Judge shall certify the record in the case to the Administrative Review Board, which shall make a decision to decertify or not on the basis of the hearing record. (b) The decision of the Administrative Review Board shall be final, shall be in writing, and shall set forth the factual and legal basis for the decision. Notice of the Administrative Review Board's decision shall be published in the [61 FR 19983, May 3, 1996]
Title 20: Employees' Benefits
PART 658—ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS GOVERNING THE JOB SERVICE SYSTEM
Section Contents
§ 658.400 Purpose and scope of subpart.
§ 658.401 Types of complaints handled by the JS complaint system.
State Agency JS Complaint System
§ 658.410 Establishment of State agency JS complaint system.
§ 658.411 Filing and assignment of JS-related complaints.
§ 658.412 Complaint resolution.
§ 658.413 Initial handling of complaints by the State or local office.
§ 658.414 Referral of non-JS-related complaints.
§ 658.415 Transferring complaints to proper JS office.
§ 658.416 Action on JS-related complaints.
§ 658.417 Hearings.
§ 658.418 Decision of the State hearing official.
Federal JS Complaint System
§ 658.420 Establishment of JS complaint system at the ETA regional office.
§ 658.421 Handling of JS-related complaints.
§ 658.422 Handling of non-JS-related complaints by the Regional Administrator.
§ 658.423 Handling of other complaints by the Regional Administrator.
§ 658.424 Federal hearings.
§ 658.425 Decision of DOL Administrative Law Judge.
§ 658.426 Complaints against USES.
§ 658.500 Scope and purpose of subpart.
§ 658.501 Basis for discontinuation of services.
§ 658.502 Notification to employers.
§ 658.503 Discontinuation of services.
§ 658.504 Reinstatement of services.
§ 658.600 Scope and purpose of subpart.
§ 658.601 State agency responsibility.
§ 658.602 ETA national office responsibility.
§ 658.603 ETA regional office responsibility.
§ 658.604 Assessment and evaluation of program performance data.
§ 658.605 Communication of findings to State agencies.
§ 658.700 Scope and purpose of subpart.
§ 658.701 Statements of policy.
§ 658.702 Initial action by the Regional Administrator.
§ 658.703 Emergency corrective action.
§ 658.704 Remedial actions.
§ 658.705 Decision to decertify.
§ 658.706 Notice of decertification.
§ 658.707 Requests for hearings.
§ 658.708 Hearings.
§ 658.709 Conduct of hearings.
§ 658.710 Decision of the Administrative Law Judge.
§ 658.711 Decision of the Administrative Review Board.
Subparts A–D [Reserved]
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Subpart E—Job Service Complaint System
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§ 658.400 Purpose and scope of subpart.
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§ 658.401 Types of complaints handled by the JS complaint system.
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State Agency JS Complaint System
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§ 658.410 Establishment of State agency JS complaint system.
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§ 658.411 Filing and assignment of JS-related complaints.
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§ 658.412 Complaint resolution.
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§ 658.413 Initial handling of complaints by the State or local office.
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§ 658.414 Referral of non-JS-related complaints.
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§ 658.415 Transferring complaints to proper JS office.
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§ 658.416 Action on JS-related complaints.
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§ 658.417 Hearings.
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§ 658.418 Decision of the State hearing official.
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Federal JS Complaint System
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§ 658.420 Establishment of JS complaint system at the ETA regional office.
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§ 658.421 Handling of JS-related complaints.
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§ 658.422 Handling of non-JS-related complaints by the Regional Administrator.
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§ 658.423 Handling of other complaints by the Regional Administrator.
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§ 658.424 Federal hearings.
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§ 658.425 Decision of DOL Administrative Law Judge.
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§ 658.426 Complaints against USES.
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Subpart F—Discontinuation of Services to Employers by the Job Service System
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§ 658.500 Scope and purpose of subpart.
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§ 658.501 Basis for discontinuation of services.
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§ 658.502 Notification to employers.
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§ 658.503 Discontinuation of services.
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§ 658.504 Reinstatement of services.
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Subpart G—Review and Assessment of State Agency Compliance With Job Service Regulations
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§ 658.600 Scope and purpose of subpart.
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§ 658.601 State agency responsibility.
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§ 658.602 ETA national office responsibility.
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§ 658.603 ETA regional office responsibility.
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§ 658.604 Assessment and evaluation of program performance data.
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§ 658.605 Communication of findings to State agencies.
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Subpart H—Federal Application of Remedial Action to State Agencies
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§ 658.700 Scope and purpose of subpart.
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§ 658.701 Statements of policy.
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§ 658.702 Initial action by the Regional Administrator.
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§ 658.703 Emergency corrective action.
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§ 658.704 Remedial actions.
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§ 658.705 Decision to decertify.
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§ 658.706 Notice of decertification.
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§ 658.707 Requests for hearings.
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§ 658.708 Hearings.
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§ 658.709 Conduct of hearings.
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§ 658.710 Decision of the Administrative Law Judge.
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§ 658.711 Decision of the Administrative Review Board.
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