A report released Friday by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development says the state has hit some of its 2030 targets but has fallen short of ‘where we need to be.’
labor
Maine unemployment rate holds steady at 3.3%
The Maine Department of Labor reports little change in job market conditions in March, with non-farm jobs reaching the second-highest number on record.
L.L.Bean to lay off customer service workers, reduce call line hours
A representative for the Freeport-based company said the decision comes in response to more shoppers placing orders online.
Proposed minimum wage for Maine farmworkers heads toward passage
The bill received overwhelming support in the Senate on Wednesday, one day after narrowly winning support in the House of Representatives.
Committee advances proposal to raise minimum wage for Maine farmworkers
The Committee on Labor and Housing passed an amended version of Gov. Janet Mills’ bill to raise the minimum wage for farmworkers to $14.15 per hour, the same rate as that for other workers.
Labor advocates, farmers call for changes to proposed minimum wage for farmworkers
Some want a lower minimum wage for young farmworkers, while others advocate preserving the right to sue an agricultural employer for failing to pay minimum wage.
U.S. farms increasingly rely on contract workers who are acutely exposed to climate extremes
Because of the terms of their employment, laborers can face challenges voicing concerns about their working conditions, and are more likely to be on the front lines of intense weather.
Committee endorses bill to support Maine state and federal workers during government shutdowns
The measure was introduced to help government employees pay bills if they are not getting paychecks during a shutdown.
Bill would allow Maine’s federal workers to take out interest-free loans during shutdowns
The legislation would provide a safety net for federal employees, who miss out on paychecks during government shutdowns. And it comes at a time when employees at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery are again under threat.
Maine’s unemployment rate hovers near record low
The 2023 rate of 2.9% doesn’t capture the whole picture, though, because many workers have left the workforce entirely in the last few years.