Mandatory Overtime

Update on our bill in the Legislature to curb the rampant use of mandatory overtime in Maine paper mills, LD 1794. 

Mill workers from Madawaska, Rumford, Skowhegan and Fairfield delivered powerful testimony at the public hearing on the bill which was held in May.  You can see some TV coverage of that day here: https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/politics/maine-politics/bill-aims-to-limit-mandatory-overtime-for-pulp-paper-mill-workers-maine/

Together, members all made a very compelling case that it is outright dangerous to require people to work 18 and 24 hour shifts operating heavy machinery and then drive home, as well as truly damaging to people’s home lives and quality of life. The members of the Labor and Housing Committee were shocked to learn about this, and clearly moved by the stories they heard.

Watch a video of clips from our testimony: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1461854211221899

The Labor and Housing Committee voted to carry LD 1794 over to the next year of the Legislative session, meaning they will take it back up again when they re-convene in January of 2024.  In the meantime, they instructed the Department of Labor to convene stakeholders to discuss solutions.  They also instructed the companies to provide data to them about how much mandatory overtime they are forcing people to work.  They made it clear that if there is not progress on reining in mandatory overtime, that they will take action to put limits into state law. 

Here’s a quote from Senator Mike Tipping of Orono, Chair of the Labor Committee:

“What we heard about excessive mandated overtime in Maine paper mills was alarming. This is a safety issue not just for workers at the mills operating heavy equipment but also everyone on the roads when these folks are driving home after working 24-hour shifts. This is an issue we will address legislatively if changes aren't made.”

With USW leaders, we will be involved in the stakeholder process, and we will keep you informed and involved.  We will continue to mobilize to pressure our Legislators to take action.