Several councilors said they are frustrated by the referendum process and see potential for unintended consequences in using it excessively to create policy.
minimum wage
Posted inOp-eds, Opinion
Commentary: It’s time to raise the federal minimum wage
The bottom line? As prices and profits soar, $7.25 just isn’t what it used to be.
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Posted inBusiness, Maine
Debate begins early over raising Portland’s minimum wage to $18
Voters will likely be asked in November if they want to increase the city’s minimum wage, which at $13 an hour is already above the statewide minimum and on its way to $15 in 2024.
Posted inOp-eds, Opinion
Councilors Zarro, Fournier: Operating in an either-or world isn’t the answer for Portland. We must do better
The City Council is working on raising the wage in the city to a livable wage every day, not just in a temporary state of emergency.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Portland right to end COVID emergency order
The pandemic is not going away, but governments don’t need special authority to craft their response.
Posted inOp-eds, Opinion
Commentary: Organizing workers at Amazon affects workers everywhere
The retailing behemoth takes far too much for itself, while leaving employees and society with too little.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Inflation to push Maine’s minimum wage up to $12.75 in 2022
The lowest legal wage for most workers will go up 60 cents an hour, reflecting rising inflation and a competitive labor market.
Posted inMaine Voices, Op-eds, Opinion
Maine Voices: The injustice of making someone else pay for your values
Humane and effective ways exist to aid those in need – but Portland’s new wage and rent ordinances are not among them.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Maine supreme court considers arguments over Portland’s new minimum wage law
Justices appear to agree that city voters have the authority to set a higher wage, but say ordinance language on the effective date for a hazard pay provision is confusing.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News, Politics
Direct care workers urge lawmakers to raise pay rates to combat staffing shortages
A workforce shortage and low wages have created a crisis for those who need help from direct care workers. On Monday, some workers made their case for a pay hike to the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee.