January 9th, 2019
Portland city councilors back an inclusive paid sick days policy
More than 50 Portland residents, among them small business owners, workers and labor organizers, spoke at a crowded public hearing at Portland City Hall Tuesday evening, urging members of the city’s Health and Human Services and Public Safety Committee to adopt a bold paid sick day law that covers all workers. “When I got sick,…
Read MoreJanuary 9th, 2019
Residents weigh in on plan to require paid sick leave in Portland
Portland city leaders heard from the public Tuesday about a plan to require paid sick leave for anyone who works in the city. If it passes, Portland would become the first community in the state with that requirement. People were standing at the door of Portland’s city chambers Tuesday, waiting to share why paid sick…
Read MoreDecember 22, 2018
1115 Waiver Approved – Mainers Unite to Defend MaineCare
In October we launched our campaign against the 1115 MaineCare waiver, because these attacks on MaineCare will move us further away from our vision of a universal, publicly funded health care system. Yesterday, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Maine’s 1115 waiver application, paving the way for thousands of Mainers to…
Read MoreFebruary 9th, 2020
Karaoke Fundraiser 2019
You’re invited to… The SOUTHERN MAINE WORKERS’ CENTER’s 2019 KARAOKE FUNDRAISER What is it? The Southern Maine Workers’ Center is hosting its biggest grassroots fundraising event of the year, and we need your help! On Saturday, February 9th at 8pm, SMWC members will be gathering at the Apohadion Theater in Portland to sing their hearts…
Read MoreNovember 19, 2018
For LGBTQ+ young people, access to affordable, comprehensive, low-barrier healthcare is a lifeline.
Good afternoon! My name is Osgood and I’m the Director of Portland Outright. As an organization by and for low-income LGBTQ+ people, Portland Outright’s work is inextricably linked to the work of organizing for the human right healthcare. Every time Outright youth leaders organize–for better access to healthy foods for incarcerated youth, for the right…
Read MoreNovember 8, 2018
The 1115 Medicaid Waiver is Just Another War on the Poor
On Sunday, October 28th, the Southern Maine Workers’ Center held the Rally to Protect and Expand Access to Health Care. The rally connected the dots between the well-known issue of MaineCare expansion, which, while passed by voters has still not been implemented; lesser know attacks on our health care system, including the proposed Section 1115…
Read MoreNovember 6, 2018
Together we will create a future where everyone has the health care they need and deserve.
On Sunday, October 28th, the Southern Maine Workers’ Center held the Rally to Protect and Expand Access to Health Care. The rally connected the dots between the well-known issue of MaineCare expansion, which, while passed by voters has still not been implemented; lesser know attacks on our health care system, including the proposed Section 1115…
Read MoreOctober 28th, 2018
Rally to Protect & Expand Health Care | Sun, Oct 28
Southern Maine Workers’ Center and Supporters Hold Rally for Universal Health Care; Launch Campaign Against MaineCare 1115 Waiver For Immediate Release Contact: Meaghan LaSala meaghan.lasala@gmail.com 973-862-7105 Portland, ME: While thousands of Medicaid recipients in Arkansas lose their health coverage due to punitive work requirements, The Southern Maine Workers’ Center (SMWC) is launching a campaign to stop similar…
Read MoreOctober 14, 2018
We’re hiring a part-time Administrative Coordinator!
Southern Maine Workers’ Center Administrative Coordinator JOB DESCRIPTION This is an hourly, part-time position for 16 hours a week. Compensation is $15/hr. The position will be focused on administrative work and volunteer coordination and will be based at SMWC’s office in Portland. TO APPLY Send your resume and a cover letter to smwcemployment@gmail.com. Applications…
Read MoreOctober 4, 2018
We Believe Survivors. We Know our Rights are at Stake.
The Southern Maine Workers Center believes that all people are entitled to basic human rights that meet basic human needs. Our work is to secure these rights: to ensure that all people have work with dignity and access to the health care they need. We make progress every day, but we know that our rights…
Read MoreAugust 9, 2018
Judge Brett Kavanaugh is a danger to workers.
On July 28, 2018, I spoke at a rally in opposition to the nomination of Supreme Court Nominee, Judge Brett Kavanaugh. While I was generally aware of the concerns about Kavanaugh’s nomination, I wasn’t as familiar with his opinions on workers’ right. Looking into it was chilling. I’m sharing my comments from the rally so people can learn more…
Read MoreNovember 22nd, 2018
Studying Social Change: A Collective Study for Stronger Social Movements
Following up on our T.O.A.S.T (Transformative Organizing and Skills Training) series, we are launching a new series of events to help us grow our skills and knowledge as organizers. Social change requires both action and reflection. In this study group series, we will explore topics identified by our members in order to deepen our collective…
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