The Portland Press Herald ran an article this week about the history of labor activism at the Portland Co. during the nineteenth century. The Portland Co. was renowned for building locomotives and there is an ongoing debate over whether to preserve its former site as a historic landmark. The article…
Yesterday the Washington Post ran a story about a hotel maid who a reporter had interviewed for an article on the minimum wage. The reporter spoke to the maid at the suggestion of the maid’s boss. The maid had told the reporter that she looked forward to receiving a $0.25/hour…
The Town of Dixfield and the Teamsters Union are engaged in a dispute over Dixfield’s treatment of long-time employee Darlene Brann, who served as an administrative assistant in Dixfield’s Public Works Department and the Shop Steward for the union. According to the Teamsters, Dixfield has spent over $29,000 in legal…
Earlier this week, the Maine Supreme Court held that the City of Augusta could not evade its obligation under a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) to pay for retired firefighters’ health insurance. The City had argued that it could stop paying the premiums on this insurance because the CBA had expired.…
In recent weeks, a Maine-based trailer manufacturer, ALCOM, and Maine’s largest medical marijuana company, Wellness Connection of Maine (WCM), have reportedly faced accusations that they retaliated against employees who tried to organize labor unions. Complaints have been filed against both employers with the National Labor Relations Board. The complaints allege,…
Today, the Maine Legislature’s Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee voted down so-called “right to work” bills that would hamper unions’ ability to advocate for Maine workers. The bills would permit employees, both public and private, to reap the benefits that unions obtain for them without requiring them to…
The Maine State Employees Association (MSEA), which represents employees of the State of Maine, will resume negotiations with the State this week in an attempt to reach an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The last CBA expired about 18 months ago but remains in effect until the…
In Michigan this year, Proposition 2 will give voters an opportunity to amend the Michigan state constitution so that it protects the collective bargaining rights of public and private employees. Labor unions spearheaded the effort to place this issue on the ballot out of fear that anti-union legislation in nearby…
The National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) has issued a rule requiring most private sector employers to hang a poster up in their workplaces which notifies employees of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act (“NLRA”). Most employers will likely hang these posters amongst the other posters they’re already required…
On August 29, 2011, the Kennebec County Superior Court ruled in favor of the Maine State Nurses Association (MSNA) and affirmed an arbitration award in favor of MSNA member Krista McCormick. Ms. McCormick worked as a nurse at Down East Community Hospital (DECH) until she was terminated on September 11,…