The New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development (NJDOL) is set to release almost 1,200 additional comments that oppose its proposed rule affecting independent contractors. The update comes from Kim Kavin, co-founder of Fight the Freelancers, in a recent post on her Substack.
These 1,192 comments were submitted by New York Life employees and agents as part of a call-to-action campaign in May and June. However, the comments were missing when NJDOL published public feedback on September 4. According to New York Life, this was likely due to an email issue.
The company’s response follows NJDOL’s initial release of approximately 8,300 public comments about the proposal earlier this month. Of those comments, more than 99% expressed opposition or significant concerns regarding the rule.
A spokesperson for New York Life stated to Kavin: “The Department’s response to these missing emails was both professional and collaborative. We do not assume any ill intent. We appreciate the Department’s prompt and courteous cooperation in resolving the issue and ensuring that the comments of our New Jersey workforce will be considered.”
The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) has called for NJDOL to withdraw the proposed rule. The association cites harm to freelance workers and employers, referencing negative outcomes following similar legislation passed in California in 2019. The volume of critical responses from stakeholders and bipartisan legislators is also noted by NJBIA as evidence against moving forward with the proposal.
At this time, neither Governor Phil Murphy nor NJDOL officials have indicated what steps will be taken next regarding the rule.
Lawmakers have already introduced a bill aimed at nullifying the regulation if it is finalized by Governor Murphy's administration.
