Dan Neuman
December 23, 2019
A new survey of workers in Maine shows that there is significant desire for the state to take a major role in adopting policies that improve job quality and advance economic justice.
The survey, which polled private sector workers in Maine, was released last week by the Maine Center for Economic Policy (MECEP) as a part of the organization’s annual “State of Working Maine,” a comprehensive analysis of the economic and workforce trends in the state.
Workers were asked about several workforce policies introduced earlier this year that will likely see a vote sometime next year after state lawmakers return to Augusta in January.
Policies that have seen inaction on the federal level, such as paid family and medical leave, expanded overtime protections, and prohibitions against wage theft and unfair scheduling practices, have strong support among Maine workers. MECEP’s report concludes that this popular support presents an opportunity in the state legislature – where Democrats hold majorities in the Maine House and Senate, as well as control the governor’s office – to make gains after years of conservative control. …
Eighty-six percent want increased penalties for employers who steal wages
MECEP’s survey also shows a substantial amount of support for combating wage theft and mandating predictable work schedules. Eighty-six percent of the respondents want to require employers to pay wages in a timely manner and increase penalties and enforcement for employers who commit wage theft. ….
Senate President Troy Jackson (D-Allagash) has a bill being vetted by lawmakers that would make it easier for the state Attorney General’s office to swiftly clamp down on businesses that may be engaging in wage theft. Another bill that would have mandated that businesses guarantee a fair workweek to their employees was killed in committee after the sponsor, state Rep. Gina Melaragno (D-Auburn), said she needed more time for consultation. That reworked bill has not been submitted for the upcoming legislative session.