Maine AFL-CIO Participates in Unemployment Assistance Clinics for Workers Impacted by Restaurant Closures

PHOTO: Clinic Manager Sylie Motoum and PWN attorney Kelsey Lee speak with a worker at a recent community event. PHOTO courtesy of PWN.

The Peer Workforce Navigator Projectand Southern Maine Workers Centerare partnering to host pop-up unemployment information and application clinics for workers in the service industry impacted by restaurant closures throughout Greater Portland. The two sessions will be on Monday, November 4 at 1-3pm and 7-9pm at the Southern Maine Workers Center office, 56 North St. in Portland’s East End.

As winter approaches, there are always a number of businesses that close their doors. Likewise, restaurants may cut staff or shifts as they see fewer seasonal visitors. However, a number of local media outlets have reported on the increase in closures in the region this year, due to rising costs and other factors. The impact of these closures is felt across the city.

“Unemployment benefits can be a lifeline when you lose your job,” says Peer Workforce Navigator, Leslie Torkelsen of the Maine AFL-CIO. “We’ve helped hundreds of people apply; it can feel daunting to people at first. Sometimes you just need someone to sit next to you and walk you through the process. When we saw so many restaurants closing, we knew Navigators could help fill this need.”

The Peer Workforce Navigator Project is a coalition of six community organizations across the state, funded by the ME and US Department of Labor, with the goal of increasing access to unemployment benefits, public benefits, and other DOL workforce programs.

Maine’s Peer Workforce Navigator Project was recently recognized as a model for state agencies and community organizations across the country. A recent report from the Center for American Progress found that workers who engaged with a Navigator received unemployment benefits faster and found appropriate work much quicker too. The report calls for further investment in grassroots, community models.

“Word of mouth is the most powerful tool in any community,” said PWN Project Director, Kate Fahey. “Relationships are key. If we can get the word out about how to apply and people have a positive experience, other restaurant workers will tell their friends and coworkers to apply too. We learned from the pandemic that unemployment benefits are not just a resource for workers, but also promote economic stability for whole communities. It’s our hope that we can help more people in the restaurant community to find stability while they look for new jobs or new opportunities.”

At the information sessions, Peer Workforce Navigators will share information about unemployment insurance and other community programs. They will also have space to help people apply online or over the phone. PWN and SMWC will provide devices to help people apply, but also encourage people to bring their own laptops or tablets if they have them. Free snacks and childcare will be provided, and the event will be simultaneously interpreted into English, French & Spanish, with additional staff members who speak Arabic, Swahili, French, Portuguese, and Lingala available to help workers one-on-one as needed.