Mounting concern for remote workers’ health and well-being rings hollow.
workforce
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.
Economist: May decline in Maine’s workforce likely a seasonal blip
The state lost 2,900 jobs in May, probably the outcome of a changeover in the seasonal workforce from winter recreation to summer tourism.
Maine launches incentive programs to boost state’s medical workforce
Gov. Janet Mills announces newly funded student loan repayment and scholarship programs for health care professions.
Commentary: One solution to inflation? Allow more immigration
Reducing immigration in the Trump years has contributed to a worker shortage that is driving up wages, prices and contributing to inflation.
Maine unemployment rate hits pandemic low of 3.3%
The state’s jobless rate in April was the lowest in two years, and the number of jobs was nearly back to the pre-pandemic level.
U.S. issues 35,000 more seasonal worker visas needed for Maine tourist businesses
Foreign laborers authorized to work in the United States under the H-2B visa program are critical to Maine’s summer tourism businesses.
Stepped-up training cuts Maine’s projected nurse shortage in half
Maine is projected to be short 1,450 registered nurses in 2025, down from the 3,200 projected previously, according to a new report.
Mills administration cracking down on employer wage and hour violations
The state Department of Labor returned about $470,000 in unpaid wages to Maine workers in 2021, almost double the amount in 2019. Now it is naming violators online.
Seattle-based consulting firm Slalom to open Portland office, hire 100 workers
Slalom said it is the fourth largest information technology services provider in Greater Boston and is heavily focused on community service.