Cintas puts workers on leave after it can't verify Social Security numbers (''no match'')

Mercury News ^ | 11/13/06 | Jesse Mangaliman

[NormsRevenge]

In an apparent crackdown on illegal immigrants that may signal more to come, Cintas, the large uniform manufacturer, placed six employees from its San Jose plant on unpaid leave Monday.

The move came after the workers failed to verify their Social Security numbers, a document required by employers to prove their workers have the right to be employed in the United States.

About 60 Cintas workers, labor organizers and immigrant advocates, rallying outside the East San Jose plant Monday afternoon, denounced the action. With 30,000 workers in five states, Cintas, is believed to be the first company in the country to enforce a controversial new regulation proposed and still under review by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The regulation requires employers to resolve the so-called Social Security ``no-match'' within two months of receiving a letter.

Opponents of the proposal fear that Cintas may be setting a trend that other employers could follow.

``All employers have a legal obligation to make sure that all employees are legally authorized to work in the U.S,'' said Cintas spokesman Wade Gates from company headquarters in Cincinnati.

``There's a very simple solution to this,'' he said. ``We've given the employees plenty of opportunity to resolve the issue at the Social Security Administration office.''

Hundreds of other employees around the country, including dozens in Bay Area plants, face a similar threat in the coming weeks ...

Officials of UNITE HERE, the union that is trying to organize Cintas workers, accused the company of targeting employees involved in the union and jumping the gun on proposed regulation whose fate is uncertain in the new Democratic-controlled Congress.

It is a controversial proposal widely opposed by business groups, municipalities, immigrant and legal advocates around the country, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

[dennisw]

No jobs and millions of these DAMN INVADERS will deport themselves. They are here only for the money. And once the money is denied .....

[RaceBannon]

Any word on arrests?

[Gritty]

Gosh, it sounds an awful lot like that there union doesn't care if Cintas is a law abiding business.

Why should they? Most unions aren't law abiding businesses thmeselves. And make no mistake, they are businesses.

[Kimberly GG]

PLEASE take the time to send a brief note to Cintas Corporation in support of their efforts to uphold our immigration laws.

Add to Subject line: ATTN: Richard T. Farmer, Chairman, Board of Directors, Robert J. Kohlhepp, Vice Chairman, Scott D. Farmer, CEO & President, and Wade Gates

info@cintas.com

I have nominated them as 'Patriot Employer' at wehirealiens.com.

And I have contacted Dim Bennie Thompson and informed him that our CURRENT immigration laws are to be upheld and enforced.

[DumpsterDiver]

bttt

[rottndog]

About 60 Cintas workers, labor organizers and immigrant advocates, rallying outside the East San Jose plant Monday afternoon, denounced the action.

Typical union scum. It's OK if the workers don't fulfill their contractual obligations, but if the company doesn't, they are evil, greedy, and need to be shut down.

Of course what would be great is if the company ignored the problem, and got shut down. Then all the workers would be out on their a$$es.

[janetgreen]

Had this been done nationwide a month before the election I think we would still have the majority in both Houses.

Agreed! America is fed up with illegal immigration, and the Bush White House and their cronies refused to listen. If they want to win the '08 election they would be wise to get strong on enforcement and build that wall. Enough is enough!

[beezdotcom]

I WAS illegal once for a short while I must admit (1970). I needed medical care, but in those days WE paid cash for it, it was a 'code of honor' if you will: we didn't dare to milk the system that gave us jobs. Me and my buddies NEVER used the system, EVER. We paid cash for all our medical care and stayed out of trouble at all cost.

Which explains why few people cared much about it until (relatively) recently.

Given your unique perspective, what do you think the solution is NOW (if there IS one)?

[NormsRevenge]

Any word on arrests?

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not that I see..

I would more suspect the ones that get snagged will be deported,, eventually

[MEGoody]

Good for Cintas. Freepers who live near East San Jose should go and counter-protest these illegals.

[elpinta]

My perspective is simple: enforce the law!

Borders are borders, enforce them like all other countries do.
Hiring undocumented people is illegal now as it was then.
Felons are gone NOW.
Undocumented people are gone ASAP.
Cash flow out of the US needs to be monitored.
Free medical care is gone unless here legally or true ER issue.
Social services are over unless documented, legally here.
This is the US: there is an official language, use it.

End of the issue, but of course, there are incentives not to do that on the part of businesses, etc.

[bpjam]

Why should they? Most unions aren't law abiding businesses thmeselves. And make no mistake, they are businesses.

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Even worse, they are..(insert eerie music here)....Huge Corporations!!!!!!

[bpjam]

Why should they? Most unions aren't law abiding businesses thmeselves. And make no mistake, they are businesses.

---

Even worse, they are..(insert eerie music here)....Huge Corporations!!!!!!