Jobs and Income Maine minimum wage will rise to $14.15 in 2024, boosting wages for 127,000 Mainers Maine’s minimum wage will increase to $14.15 per hour on January 1, 2024, according to recent inflation data released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). […] James Myall Posted September 28, 2023 Tags Incomes, Job Quality, Minimum Wage, Wages
Jobs and Income After years-long effort, farmworkers in Maine may soon gain minimum wage protections The lesser bundle of rights granted to farmworkers has indeed had a significant impact on their lives, research shows. A study by the Maine Center for Economic Policy […] Maine Morning Star Posted September 20, 2023 Tags Job Quality, Jobs, Minimum Wage, Wages
Jobs and Income Commentary: With Maine governor’s veto, farmworkers were again denied their basic economic rights This session’s bill represented a small step toward justice for those who do the back-breaking work that fuels our agricultural sector and feeds our state. These workers […] Portland Press Herald Posted August 15, 2023 Tags Economic Security, Fair Scheduling, Job Quality, Jobs, Minimum Wage, Wages
Jobs and Income Wednesday Sit-Down: Minimum wage for Maine farm workers Arthur Phillips from the Maine Center for Economic Policy sat down with CBS13 to discuss minimum wage for farm workers in Maine. Click here to watch the […] Fox 23 Posted August 2, 2023 Tags Incomes, Inequality, Job Quality, Minimum Wage, Racial Equity, Wages, Wednesday Sit Down
Jobs and Income Worker wins and setbacks in the 2023 legislative sessions In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been steady gains in the overall output of Maine’s economy and workforce, employment levels, and wages for people […] James Myall Posted July 31, 2023 Tags Budget, Direct Care Work, Economic Security, Fair Scheduling, Inequality, Job Quality, Jobs, Overtime, Paid Family and Medical Leave, Wages
Jobs and Income Janet Mills vetoes bill to cover farmworkers under Maine’s minimum wage The Maine AFL-CIO, a coalition of labor unions, said the veto “carries on the historical stain and stench of exploitation and racial exclusion.” The liberal Maine Center […] Bangor Daily News Posted July 20, 2023 Tags Inequality, Job Quality, Jobs, Minimum Wage, Wages
Jobs and Income ‘Embarrassing and shameful’: Advocates blast Mills’ veto of farmworker rights bill “Continuing the current system of sub-minimum wages for farmworkers means that about one quarter of Maine’s agricultural workers will continue to live in poverty,” said Arthur Phillips, […] Beacon Posted July 20, 2023 Tags Incomes, Inequality, Job Quality, Jobs, Minimum Wage, Racial Equity, Wages
Taxes and Budget Maine's budget provides historic supports and fortifies the foundation for a strong economy This week Governor Mills signed the “part two budget” that makes historic investments — establishing a paid family and medical leave program for Maine, committing over $100 […] Sarah Austin Posted July 13, 2023 Tags Budget, Child Care, Child Tax Credit, Children, Economic Security, Economy, Education, Employment, Family and Medical Leave, Health Care, Housing, Jobs, Seniors, Tax Fairness, Wages
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 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