Maine Department of Labor

The Maine Department of Labor will hold its first-ever summit next month on the use of job apprenticeships and best practices for implementing them. https://ow.ly/KMS850TVwyy

The Maine Department of Labor and the NFIB are continuing to partner to host a series of focus groups with businesses, in order to help inform the Department's work to develop a comprehensive guidance manual on Maine's labor laws. The manual will be a publicly accessible and free resource for employers to easily understand their legal obligations. In addition to the manual being useful for employers, the Maine Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Inspectors, who enforce employment laws, will also be using the resulting guidance materials in their everyday work. This is intended to increase transparency and consistency in how violations are determined. The next session will be November 7 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Jeff's Catering & Event Center, 15 Eventcenter Way, Brewer. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gtUMrrU5

The 2025 employer tax schedule, which supports the state's unemployment trust fund, will remain stable at Schedule A! Schedule A is the lowest unemployment tax schedule under the law. State unemployment insurance is paid to eligible Maine people through the state unemployment trust fund, which is funded by employers through unemployment taxes. Unemployment taxes are assessed on the first $12,000 in wages on each employee during the calendar year. Approximately 55,400 employers in Maine pay into the unemployment trust fund based on the statutory tax rates that take into account each employer's experience rating based on their unemployment history, as well as changes to wages in Maine. Under Schedule A, the average tax per employee who was paid at least $12,000 in wages is expected to be $253.20 per year. Each employer's experience rating is unique, therefore the specific tax change will vary by employer. Employers will receive correspondence with their individual tax information in December.

There are currently over 800,000 apprentices working across the United States. Upon completion of their program, apprentices receive a certificate that is recognized in every state. #winwin #mainejobs #mainecareers https://lnkd.in/gTtHaiRN 

Employers: seats at the Inaugural Maine Apprenticeship Summit Nov. 18 at the Augusta Civic Center are filling up quick! The Maine Apprenticeship Program is for all types of industries – including healthcare, construction, manufacturing, clean energy and infrastructure, education, hospitality, and IT. Working with a team, businesses can train the employees they need to fit their unique skill sets. We invite businesses, industry associations, unions, workforce partners, education providers, and community-based organizations to join us! More info and registration: https://www.mapsummit.com/

Earlier this month, were were excited to join over 1,000 students from across the state at the annual Maine Construction Career Days event in West Bath, hosted by the Associated General Contractors of Maine & the National Association of Women in Construction of Maine. Maine Construction Career Days provides a unique opportunity for students across the state to experience career pathways in the construction, transportation, and engineering industries through hands-on experiences. The event also offers information and resources regarding Registered Apprenticeship pathways in those fields. Students get opportunities to operate a mini excavator, a boom lift, a 50-ton hydraulic crane, use a welding torch in a hands-on welding tent or a virtual welding simulator, and many other hands-on activities provided by exhibitors represented by construction companies, state agencies, labor unions, trade and professional organizations from across the state.

Starting today, people who need to verify their identity for unemployment benefit purposes can now do so at over 200 Maine post offices across the state! This is a new option for people who are asked to provide proof of identity when they apply for unemployment. In the past, people who needed to verify their identity were primarily asked to upload documents through a secure online portal. While this electronic option remains available, people will now also be able to have their identity verified in person at the post office. When someone chooses this option, the Department will provide instructions and a unique code. They will need to bring this code and their ID documentation to the post office. More info: https://lnkd.in/g22i-Dcd

“What’s fun is opening people’s eyes to what people with disabilities or challenges can do,” Bulley said. “I think a lot of times we close our minds to that. It’s fun to watch them blossom and get more confidence. Before you know it, they are shining in their jobs.” Living Innovations is the sole provider for the state’s vocational rehabilitation services in an area that spans from just past Newport to northern Maine. https://lnkd.in/gWNF5yJn

Employers: Did you miss the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave informational webinar the other day? Check out the video recording here!: https://lnkd.in/gEV3abJq

Did you miss the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave informational webinar for workers yesterday? Check out the video recording here!: https://lnkd.in/ghXdt8S3