Maine nurses split over whether state mandate of staff ratios would help

“Part of that is that health care jobs were extremely stressful – and dangerous – over the past two years, which probably led people to find other […]

Portland Press Herald

Posted June 18, 2023

Tags Health Care, Job Quality, Jobs

Jobs and Income

Maine could join growing list of states with a $15 minimum wage — unless Mills objects

Some economists have argued that raising the state’s current minimum wage of $13.80 to $15 would create a meaningful increase to workers’ paychecks and help many working […]

Beacon

Posted June 14, 2023

Tags Incomes, Job Quality, Jobs, Minimum Wage

Jobs and Income

Family friendly policies are the solution to workforce challenges

One of the most frequently asked questions we hear at the Maine Center for Economic Policy is how to expand the state’s workforce. One answer: Give workers the […]

Bangor Daily News

Posted June 11, 2023

Tags Child Care, Direct Care Work, Job Quality, Jobs, Paid Family and Medical Leave

Jobs and Income

5 reasons Maine shouldn’t look to New Hampshire on Paid Family and Medical Leave

Last week, Maine’s Labor and Housing Committee voted to advance a bill which would establish a near-universal Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program for Maine workers. […]

James Myall

Posted June 9, 2023

Tags Family and Medical Leave, Job Quality, Jobs, Paid Family and Medical Leave, Wages

Jobs and Income

Maine needs a “reporting pay” requirement

Imagine you’re working at a fast-food restaurant. You’re used to getting called in on short notice to fill shifts, but you’re never sure if you’re actually going […]

James Myall

Posted May 31, 2023

Tags Job Quality, Jobs

Jobs and Income, Maine’s Economy

Brief: Providing workers the support they need to enter and stay in the labor force

At a glance Maine has more jobs now than before the pandemic Labor force participation has mostly rebounded to pre-pandemic levels but is not adequate to keep […]

MECEP

Posted May 26, 2023

Tags Child Care, Child Tax Credit, Direct Care Work, Economic Security, Economy, Employment, Family and Medical Leave, Inclusive Economy, Job Quality, Jobs, Paid Sick Days

Jobs and Income

Bill can be part of solution to attracting, retaining Maine direct care workers

Not surprisingly, we’re now hearing that traditionally employed people, mostly women, are leaving the workforce to take care of older relatives. According to a report just released […]

Portland Press Herald

Posted May 15, 2023

Tags Direct Care Work, Job Quality, Jobs

Jobs and Income, Maine’s Economy

Child care legislation to benefit Maine workers and families

Recent years have taught us child care workers are truly essential. Without them, other workers are forced to leave work to care for young children, costing them […]

Arthur Phillips

Posted May 9, 2023

Tags Child Care, Children, Economic Security, Economy, Employment, Incomes, Job Quality, Jobs

Jobs and Income

Legislature’s Labor Committee votes for $15 minimum wage in 2024

Since 2016, increases to Maine’s minimum wage have contributed to lower child poverty rates, put more money into Mainer’s pockets, and made our economy stronger for everyone. […]

James Myall

Posted May 5, 2023

Tags Incomes, Job Quality, Jobs, Minimum Wage, Wages

Jobs and Income

Pay transparency promotes equality and empowers workers

During the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, Mainers have increasingly recognized the value of their labor and demanded to be paid fairly. Workers in traditionally low-wage occupations, […]

James Myall

Posted May 4, 2023

Tags Incomes, Inequality, Job Quality, Jobs, Wages

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Maine nurses split over whether state mandate of staff ratios would help

Maine could join growing list of states with a $15 minimum wage — unless Mills objects

Family friendly policies are the solution to workforce challenges

5 reasons Maine shouldn’t look to New Hampshire on Paid Family and Medical Leave

Maine needs a “reporting pay” requirement

Brief: Providing workers the support they need to enter and stay in the labor force

Bill can be part of solution to attracting, retaining Maine direct care workers

Child care legislation to benefit Maine workers and families

Legislature’s Labor Committee votes for $15 minimum wage in 2024

Pay transparency promotes equality and empowers workers