Covid-19Worker Rights

April 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…

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Covid-19Worker Rights

April 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…

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Covid-19Worker Rights

April 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…

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Covid-19Worker Rights

April 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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