April 30, 2020
Can my employer require me to submit to a medical screening for the coronavirus?
The Families First Act allows employers to require employees entering the workplace to have their temperature taken. It also allows employers to ask employees about whether they have any symptoms associated with COVID-19. 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
The CDC has said that individuals age 60 and older are more vulnerable to the Coronavirus. My employer decided to send everyone older than 60 home without pay to protect them. Is that legal?
Treating older workers less favorably than other employees, even if well-intentioned, can violate the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and the MHRA. If you believe you have been discriminated against on the basis of your age, contact an employment discrimination attorney. You may also file a complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission directly…
Read MoreApril 30, 2020
Can my employer fire me because I have COVID-19, they suspect I have COVID-19, or someone in my household has COVID-19?
It is illegal for your employer to fire you or otherwise treat you worse than other employees because you have a disability or are regarded as having a disability. Because COVID-19 may be a disability, it may be illegal for your employer to fire you because you have it or because your employer regards you…
Read MoreApril 30, 2020
Can my employer terminate me or discipline me for refusing to work in an environment in which there is a high risk of exposure to coronavirus, if I report a risk of exposure, or if I advocate for changes to make my workplace safer?
Under the Maine Whistleblowers’ Protection Act (MWPA), your employer cannot discriminate against you for your good faith report of what you have “reasonable cause to believe is a condition or practice that would put at risk the health or safety of that employee or any other individual.” Therefore, a report you make about a risk…
Read MoreApril 30, 2020
Is my employer required to provide me with reasonable accommodations related to the Coronavirus?
If you have a compromised immune system or another medical condition impacted by COVID-19 (including mental health conditions like anxiety disorders), your employer may be required to provide you with a reasonable accommodation like telecommuting or protective equipment, unless doing so would cause the employer an undue hardship. Common cold or seasonal flu symptoms are…
Read MoreApril 30, 2020
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, my employer made assumptions about me or treated me differently than coworkers because I am Asian or from another country. What can I do?
An employer who treats you worse than other workers because of your race, national origin, or ethnic background is violating the law. This includes employer actions that single you out because of negative stereotypes. Please see pages 19 and 21 of the Southern Maine Workers’ Center’s WORK Manual for more information on race or national…
Read MoreApril 30, 2020
Due to coronavirus, my employer has cut my hours, forced me to take unpaid leave, or ended my employment. What can I do?
You may be eligible for unemployment benefits while you are out of work. In general, you may apply for unemployment benefits if you worked for an employer and made at least $5,150 during the last year. The Maine Legislature passed a law to expand unemployment benefits to workers affected by the COVID-19 virus. That legislation…
Read MoreMarch 31, 2020
Solidarity is Always the Answer: Demands for Human Rights in the Time of COVID-19
Our conditions are changing rapidly. We published this response on March 31st, 2020. We will continue to update our members as our positions evolve in response to the rapidly evolving crisis. Our people are in crisis, facing loss of income, eviction, debt and dangerous work conditions. Workers who are told they are “essential” are being…
Read MoreMarch 16, 2020
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 MoreMarch 15, 2020
Solidarity is Always the Answer: how we’re taking collective care & action in a time of crisis
Dear Friends, The members, staff, and board of SMWC have been closely monitoring the rapidly changing news and impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and the response this week. The times we are in are uncertain and unknown. We’ve never been a Workers’ Center under circumstances like these, and we are trying to pivot quickly to respond…
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