June 3, 2020
To say that Black Lives Matter is to commit ourselves to fundamentally changing the world.
To say that Black Lives Matter at this time is to commit ourselves to fundamentally changing the world. We see the devaluation of Black life in the state and vigilante murders of Black people, and in the unrelenting violence of the police against people rising up to demand justice. In a pattern repeated across the…
Read MoreMay 7th, 2020
Southern Maine Workers’ Center delivers letter to Gov. Mills, calling for more health care coverage during COVID-19 crisis.
On Thursday, May 7th at 11am, the Southern Maine Workers’ Center will make a symbolic delivery of a letter to Gov. Mills calling on her to take action to provide more people with health care coverage during the COVID-19 crisis.
Read MoreMay 5, 2020
Now Hiring: Worker Support Operations Coordinator
JOB DESCRIPTION This is a year long, part time, position for 20 hours a week. The position will be focused on the coordination of the operations of the Southern Maine Workers’ Center Worker Support Program including the hotline and legal clinic. This is a remote position until further notice. This position will pay $16/hour and…
Read MoreApril 30, 2020
I have more questions. Where can I get free, high-quality legal information about my rights?
Free legal resources. For free legal advice from experienced lawyers in Maine, you can go online to Free Legal Answers, which is an online legal clinic for people who have lower incomes. Go to maine.freelegalanswers.org and fill out a brief eligibility survey, and provide your email. Write in your questions with some context for the…
Read MoreApril 30, 2020
If I need to be tested for the Coronavirus, will I have to pay a deductible or coinsurance?
No. The Families First Act requires group health plans and insurers, including self-insurers, Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health programs, to pay the full cost of any tests for the Coronavirus. DISCLAIMER: This FAQ Sheet is intended to provide accurate, general background information regarding legal rights relating to employment in Maine. It is not legal…
Read MoreApril 30, 2020
Can my employer not pay me if I am sent home early from work, or told not to come in for a scheduled shift?
Unfortunately, under Maine law, employers are only required to pay employees for hours actually worked, so if you are an hourly employee and are sent home early, you need only be paid for the time you worked. Maine law does not require employers to pay employees for reporting or showing up to work if no…
Read MoreApril 30, 2020
What if I become sick at work with symptoms relating to COVID-19? Can my employer send me home?
Yes. The CDC recommends that employees who become sick with COVID-19 symptoms (such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or fatigue) should be separated from other employees and sent home immediately. However, you may be entitled to paid leave (see FAQ 3) or a reasonable accommodation (see FAQ 8). DISCLAIMER: This FAQ Sheet is intended…
Read MoreApril 30, 2020
If I have COVID-19, what can my employer tell others about my condition?
Your employer is required by law to keep all medical information about you private and confidential. It can, however, share your medical information with those who have a “need to know,” but only to the extent necessary. For example, your employer may need to share with employees in your workplace that another employee has tested…
Read MoreApril 30, 2020
If I traveled to a country affected by coronavirus, can my employer ask me if I was exposed to coronavirus or require me to stay home during the incubation period?
Yes, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended that travelers to certain countries stay home for 14 days. The list of countries may change; refer to the CDC website for further information. DISCLAIMER: This FAQ Sheet is intended to provide accurate, general background information regarding legal rights relating to employment in Maine. It is…
Read MoreApril 30, 2020
Can my employer ask me if I have a health condition (like a compromised immune system) that would be affected by coronavirus?
No. It would be against the law for an employer to ask an employee without symptoms of COVID-19 if they have a medical condition that would make them particularly vulnerable. DISCLAIMER: This FAQ Sheet is intended to provide accurate, general background information regarding legal rights relating to employment in Maine. It is not legal advice….
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