The MaineLinks Newsletter

Weeks of January 15th and 22nd, 2024

What to Know 

Several new laws went into effect on New Year's Day in Maine. 

Minimum wage in Maine is going up from $13.80 to $14.15 per hour.  Tipped workers will see their pay rise to $7.08 per hour, not counting tips. Employers will have to show that employees are making at least the state minimum wage when combined with tips. Another law coming into effect will require all law enforcement officers to carry Naloxone -- better known as Narcan -- either on their person or in their cruiser. The state is also requiring anyone born after 1999 to take a boater education course before operating a motorboat of 25 horsepower or more on state or territorial waters. Sailboats do not generally fall into this category. After completing the course, the boater must show their certificate to a law enforcement officer.

There are some exemptions to the law, including for registered guides, commercial fishermen, and merchant mariners.  Maine will be helping more families afford childcare this year. Eligibility for the "Childcare Affordability Program" has been expanded from 85 percent of the state's median income for a family of four -- about $84,000 per year -- to 125 percent -- about $123,000. 

Veterans Corner

The Maine Hire-A-Vet campaign resulted in the hiring of 237 veterans and military family members by Maine employers, which is more than double the campaign's goal of 100 hires in 100 days. The 2023 campaign resulted in placements in good-paying jobs located in all sixteen counties, including 55 women veterans. Approximately 60 percent of those hired took positions with Pratt & Whitney, Northern Light Health, Bonney Staffing, MaineHealth, Bath Iron Works, and the State of Maine. Veterans were hired at an average hourly wage of $29.55, the second highest average wage since the program was created in 2015. The annual 100-day campaign is a partnership between the Maine Department of Labor and its CareerCenters, Destination Occupation, and Maine Bureau of Veterans Services. The campaign has connected more than 1,700 employers with over 1,900 veteran-hires since its inception

CareerCorner - January feature II:  Inventory Specialist

An inventory specialist manages the inventory for stores and warehouses. They are responsible for keeping track of stock, placing orders, researching and contracting vendors, and ensuring ample storage space in company warehouses. Skills needed for this position include project management, math, data entry, problem-solving, organization, and written and verbal communication. Most inventory specialists require a high school diploma or equivalent; some may have an associate or bachelor’s degree in logistics, business, or a related field.

Notable Quote:

“New year-new verse, a new chapter, or just the same old story?  Ultimately, we write it. The choice is ours.” —Alex Morritt

Training Talk

SafetyWorks! is an outreach program of the Maine Department of Labor designed to reduce job-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths. SafetyWorks! is a voluntary program --- it is not OSHA and cannot issue citations or fines. SafetyWorks! Has no-cost safety trainings for Wage & Hour Compliance on January 17^th or January 24^th. This course is designed for human resource professionals, accountants, business owners, managers, or payroll supervisors. Labor laws can be complex. This seminar covers wage and hour laws, including minimum wage, overtime, youth employment, severance pay, equal pay, rest breaks, leave requirements (earned paid leave, family medical leave, sick leave and leave for victims of violence). The class addresses commonly asked labor-related questions.

Hiring Events: (Click on the “Hiring Events” link for full list)

• 1/17—2nd Chance Hiring Event sponsored by Lewiston CareerCenter
• 1/17—Hiring Event: Sponsored by Bangor CareerCenter
• 1/18—Manufacturing Hiring Events sponsored by Sanford Adult Ed
• 1/19—Veteran Employment & Resource Event at UMF sponsored by University of Maine Farmington  (Open to all Job-Seekers)
• 1/24—Hiring Event Northern Light-Mercy Hospital

Workshops: (click on the “Workshops“ link for more)

Pre-register online for these virtual opportunities:

• 1/16—Tax Readiness for the Self-Employed
• 1/18—Searching for Work:  Age 55+ With or Without Health & Physical Restriction by Workforce Solutions
• 2/2—Navigating Hiring Process for Individuals with a Criminal History

And MORE!

The Maine Grocers and Food Producers Association (MGFPA) and Retail Association of Maine (RAM) are taking proactive steps to support numerous businesses affected by the “Grinch” storm by launching a relief program.  The Maine Business Relief Fund will be providing up to $2500 in grant allocations with the opportunity to reapply for up to $10,000 (as funds become available). Applications are currently being processed until the end of January. 

Did you miss the last newsletter? Ensure you subscribe for more updates from the Maine Department of Labor.

Maine Department of Labor and Maine CareerCenters provide equal opportunity in employment and programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request.