April 29, 2021
Know Your Rights – Maine’s Earned Paid Leave Law
Conheça seus direitos – disponível em PortuguesConoce tus derechos- Disponible en EspañolConnaissez vos droits: disponible en français What is Earned Paid Leave ?Also known as Public Law 2019 Ch. 156, “An Act Authorizing Earned Employee Leave,” Maine’s Earned Paid Leave law (EPL) went into effect on New Year’s Day 2021, a year and a half…
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….
Read MoreApril 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
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…
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