Labor advocates say Maine’s reopening is putting some people in the difficult position of risking their health or their livelihood.
labor
Recent layoffs raise questions about severance, notification
Employees in a mass layoff are supposed to receive advance warning and extra compensation, but that isn’t always happening during the coronavirus pandemic.
Union accuses Mills administration of putting state workers at risk
After a third Department of Health and Human Services employee tests positive for COVID-19, the largest union for state workers again calls on the administration to do more to inform and protect workers from the virus.
Bill to increase Maine overtime protections fails to win lawmakers’ support
The bill would increase the threshold for salaried workers in the state to earn overtime pay, but lawmakers said it would burden businesses in an uncertain economy.
Maine trade groups lash out against proposed increase in overtime pay eligibility
A bill in the Legislature would allow thousands more salaried workers in Maine to earn overtime pay when they work more than 40 hours a week.
Commentary: Maine unions support ‘Medicare for All’
Even people with good, union-negotiated insurance are struggling to pay their health care bills.
Greg Kesich: Unions shouldn’t fight health care reform
A Nevada union’s self-interested campaign puts it on the side of an unworkable status quo.
Pro-labor groups want Maine to crack down on forced arbitration
As these binding agreements become more common as a condition of employment, lawmakers debate a measure that would effectively deputize private attorneys to take employers to court in state labor and discrimination cases.
Maine low jobless rate continues historic run
December’s preliminary unemployment rate of 2.9% marks the 48th consecutive month of rates below 4%.
Maine Compass: Time for students to occupy the classroom, demand fair pay for adjunct teachers
Part-time professors create courses, give lectures, spend hours grading and help students think critically – but they’d make more in fast food.