We’re a grassroots, member led organization working to improve the lives, working conditions, and terms of employment for working class and poor people in Maine.
Learn MoreOur committtees meet twice a month and organize most of our campaigns, workshops, and events:
WORK WITH
DIGNITY
If we want to improve our conditions at work and win victories to improve our economic position we must organize together.
Learn MoreHEALTHCARE IS A
HUMAN RIGHT
Creating a universal, single payer Healthcare system is a fundamental step toward economic and racial justice in our communities.
Learn MorePOLITICAL
EDUCATION
Having a shared understanding of the systems that oppress us means we'll have better strategies & movements of resistance.
Learn More"Movements are born of critical connections rather than critical mass."– Grace Lee Boggs
EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT
WORKERS RIGHTS LEGAL CLINIC
5:00pm - 8:00pm @ 56 NORTH ST.
We aim to help workers identify, create, and implement economic justice campaigns that represent their priorities. We do this work with a focus on fostering solidarity between immigrant workers, low-wage workers, union workers, and others.
Learn MoreNews & Events
September 8, 2022
Virtual Workers’ Rights Legal Clinic
The Southern Maine Workers’ Center partners with the Volunteer Lawyers Project to host a virtual Workers’ Rights Legal Clinic (WRLC) weekly on Thursday from 5-7pm over Zoom or phone. At the clinic, you can talk to a volunteer lawyer for a free half hour consultation. You can get advice on topics such as your legal rights at…
Read MoreJune 10, 2022
SMWC Worker Support Hotline Pause June 10-September 5, 2022
The Southern Maine Workers’ Center is pausing our Worker Support Hotline from June 10-September 5 to focus on updating our WORK Manual, launching this year’s series of workers’ rights trainings, and reflecting on our hotline data to help us be more intentional about how our hotline can best support Maine workers. In the meantime, please check out…
Read MoreMarch 2nd, 2022
The Non-profit Industrial Complex Study Session
The Political Education Committee presents… a one-time study session about the non-profit industrial complex, or the “NPIC!” based on the classic book, The Revolution Will Not Be Funded. The NPIC is “an unseen web of money and power that tries to undermine people’s struggles for racial, class, economic, gender and environmental justice” (Mumia Abu-Jamal). As organizers working…
Read MoreDecember 21st, 2021
Celebrating Arlo (12.21.21)
Tuesday, 12/21, 12:00-1:00 PM Arlo has transitioned away from his role at SMWC, which gives us all a special occasion to come together to lift up all the direct support, power, victories, and relationships they have built and dedicated themselves to these last 5 years. Please join us next Tuesday between 12:00PM and 1:00 PM…
Read MoreJuly 12, 2021
Portland’s restaurant industry should be a place where people can work with dignity
Published in the Portland Press Herald on May 19th, 2021(link to original here) Restaurant series doesn’t represent Portland food workers’ perspective Unsafe conditions and the lack of a living wage and health insurance are driving people away – not reluctance to work. BY KATIE KEATING AND HEATHER FORAN (SMWC Board Co-Chair) In the recent series…
Read MoreApril 2, 2021
SMWC is hiring an Executive Director! (Extended Deadline)
About the Southern Maine Workers Center The Southern Maine Workers’ Center (SMWC) is a membership organization committed to creating a people-powered movement that improves the lives, working conditions, and terms of employment for working and poor people in Maine— particularly low-wage workers, young people, immigrant workers, and people of color. SMWC conducts transformative grassroots organizing…
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