August 22, 2020
Information on your health care options if you’ve lost your job
Mainers who are worried about losing health insurance or having a hard time paying monthly premiums may have options including Marketplace coverage and MaineCare.
Read MoreAugust 22, 2020
Federal Legislation that Aids Workers
From Family Values At Work. Provides and overview of the federal legislation that impacts workers, including paid sick days, paid family leave and unemployment.
Read MoreAugust 22, 2020
Families First Corona Response Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights
Information about the paid sick days and expanded family leave created by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act)
Read MoreAugust 22, 2020
Unemployment Insurance FAQs from Maine Dept. of Labor
Frequently asked questions about unemployment eligibility and how to apply. Updated frequently.
Read MoreAugust 22, 2020
Paid Leave & Unemployment Decision Chart
From Family Values At Work and NELP. Helps navigate if paid sick day, unemployment, or family leave are your best option.
Read MoreJune 29th, 2020
Healthcare for All: Now More than Ever – Panel & Discussion
This event will take place on June 29th, 2020 from 5:30-7:00pm over Zoom. Please register at the link below. Over 500 people and 30 organizations joined our call to Governor Janet Mills to implement universal healthcare and protect the rights of essential workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. We brought our demands to the Blaine House in…
Read MoreJune 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…
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