Jobs and Income Commentary: If you want to empower Maine’s workers, pay a living wage Thanks in part to federal support, the economic recovery from the COVID-19 recession has been strong. While this is a relief to many working people and families, […] Portland Press Herald Posted November 25, 2022 Tags Economic Security, Incomes, Job Quality, Unions, Wages
Jobs and Income, Maine’s Economy To protect fragile economy, report argues Maine must do more for workers A recent report found that although Maine bounced back quickly from the pandemic-induced downturn, that recovery has masked “continued underlying weaknesses in the economy.” Challenges identified in […] Beacon Posted October 19, 2022 Tags Economic Security, Job Quality, Jobs, Unions, Wages
Jobs and Income, Stories In the words of workers: Forrest Lorette Forrest shared his story as part of MECEP’s State of Working Maine 2022 report. Click here to view the full report, as well as other workers’ stories. […] MECEP Posted October 11, 2022 Tags Job Quality, Jobs, Unions, Wages
Jobs and Income State of Working Maine 2022 Download the PDF: Full Report Summary In 2020, for the second time in a little more than a decade, the United States suffered one of the biggest […] James Myall Posted October 11, 2022 Tags Children, Coronavirus, Economic Security, Economy, Job Quality, Jobs, Unemployment, Unions, Wages
Jobs and Income, Maine’s Economy Rising inflation is likely temporary — and the Build Back Better bill will help curb it Over the past several months, inflation has risen relatively quickly, particularly in contrast to the past decade of exceptionally small price increases. This has led to misplaced […] James Myall Posted November 16, 2021 Tags Coronavirus, Economic Security, Economy, Employment, Job Quality, Jobs, Unions, Wages
Jobs and Income, Maine’s Economy New Report & Press Event: State of Working Maine 2021 AUGUSTA, MAINE — The experiences of frontline workers during the pandemic offer lessons beyond the immediate public health threat, according to a new report released today by the Maine […] Posted November 4, 2021 Tags Caregiving, Coronavirus, Economic Security, Economy, Employment, Inequality, Minimum Wage, Paid Sick Days, Racial Equity, Unemployment, Unions, Wages
Jobs and Income Maine must end carveouts that take workers’ rights away from essential farmers and food producers Everyone deserves the same basic protections and rights on the job. Laws guaranteeing the minimum wage, overtime, and the right to form a union are foundational to creating […] James Myall Posted April 7, 2021 Tags Inequality, Job Quality, Minimum Wage, Racial Equity, Unions, Wages
Jobs and Income Unions promote stronger, fairer economy for all workers Labor unions are a time-tested way for workers to organize and negotiate collectively for higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions. By advocating for better conditions […] James Myall Posted September 1, 2019 Tags Economy, Incomes, Inequality, Job Quality, Unions
Jobs and Income Right to strike would level the playing field for public workers, with benefits for all of us The right of workers to organize and bargain with their employer benefits all Mainers. Collective bargaining leads to better wages, safer workplaces, and a fairer and more […] James Myall Posted April 17, 2019 Tags Jobs, Unions
Jobs and Income Testimony in Opposition to LD 65 “An Act To Ensure the Right To Work without Payment of Dues or Fees to a Labor Union as a Condition of Employment” and LD66 “An Act To Prohibit Public Employers from Acting as Collection Agents for Labor Unions” A prosperous future for Maine and a robust economy requires more middle-wage jobs with good benefits and working conditions that are compatible with family life. Maine cannot […] Mark Sullivan Posted May 8, 2017 Tags Unions