Below are some more pro-labor bills that have become law this legislative session.
Improving Wages on State-Funded Construction Projects
LD 1419, which will strengthen the prevailing wages on state-funded construction projects, has become law. The current prevailing wage law sets the minimum wage rates contractors must pay workers on state-funded public works projects of $50,000 or more. LD 1419 will help ensure that Maine's prevailing wage rates accurately reflect the wages in an increasingly competitive labor market for construction.
Cutting Red Tape for Union Construction Workers Applying for Unemployment
Governor Mills has signed legislation that will cut down on red tape for union building trades workers applying for unemployment after a lay off. LD 1368, sponsored by Rep. Amy Roeder (D-Bangor), will permit union construction workers to perform their unemployment work search process through the union hiring hall.
Protecting Workers from Retaliation When Exercising Their Rights
Governor Mills has signed a new law (LD 767) that will prohibit employers from discriminating or retaliating against a worker who exercises their rights under Maine’s employment laws. For instance, under the new law if a worker reports their employer for committing wage theft and the employer retaliates against the worker by demoting them, reducing their hours or reporting their family members to immigration authorities — the Maine Department of Labor and the Attorney General may file a civil action against the employer with potential fines of between $500 and $1000.
Unfortunately, it’s common for employers to retaliate against workers for exercising their rights. A 2019 report found that that 30 percent of Maine workers in the private sector didn’t use paid leave either because they feared employer retaliation or their employer made it too difficult to use the paid leave.
Scholarships for Apprentices & Pre-Apprentices
Governor Mills has signed a measure (LD 1394) into law that will allow workers in union apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs to qualify for the state’s Competitive Skills Scholarship Program. The scholarship provides funding and support services for Mainers pursuing two and four-year degree programs or employer recognized credentials leading to high-wage, in-demand jobs in Maine.
The program will cover costs of licensing, certification and more. This new law is particularly important for pre-apprentices graduating from the new Union Academy of Maine as many them come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Fundamentally this funding is about ensuring that people who enter these programs have the support they need to successfully complete them.
Improving Standards for Publicly Funded Apprenticeship Programs
The Governor has signed a bill (LD 1539) into law that will improve standards on publicly funded apprenticeship programs to ensure that they provide rigorous training, accept diverse cohorts of workers and apprentices are fairly- compensated upon graduation. Read more about the bill here.