For Immediate Release: July 17, 2023

**Maine Department of Labor to Start Rulemaking Process in the Fall for Paid Family Medical Leave Program**

On July 11, Governor Mills https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/governor-mills-signs-historic-budget-law-2023-07-12" target="_blank">signed an historic https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0163&item=14&snum=131" target="_blank">budget that includes the creation of a paid family and medical leave program, making Maine the 13th state to establish one. Beginning in 2026, eligible workers in the private and public sector will have 12 weeks of paid time off available to them for family or medical reasons including illness, to care for a relative, or for the birth of a child.

"Paid family and medical leave improves the lives of Maine's working families and strengthens our workforce and economy," **said Laura Fortman, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Labor.** "The Maine Department of Labor will be diligently working with all interested partners to stand up this new program." The new program was negotiated by Governor Mills to ensure it is tailored to meet the needs of Maine families and Maines economy.

When the budget goes into effect in October 2023, the Department will begin the rulemaking process. Initial rules necessary for implementation must be adopted by the department by January 1, 2025. The rulemaking process will include an informal period for collecting information prior to the formal process required by the Maine Administrative Procedures Act (MAPA). MAPA requires the Department post draft rules for public comment for a period of at least thirty days. During this comment period, the Department intends to hold a public hearing in order to gather feedback on the drafted rules as well as collect written comments. Final adoption of the rules requires the Department to provide a response to all public comments. Contributions to the Paid Family Medical Leave fund will begin January 1, 2025, and benefits are scheduled to begin on May 1, 2026.

As the process evolves, the Department will keep the public, workers, and employers involved and informed.

As information becomes available, it will be posted on the Departments website here: https://www.maine.gov/labor/pfml/

Are you a job seeker and not sure what the next step in your career is, or an employer looking to expand your workforce? The Maine Department of Labor's CareerCenters, together with their partners, offer many services to help people find employment or upgrade skills, and help employers find qualified workers.

**JOB SEEKERS**

Did you know? You do not need to be receiving unemployment insurance benefits or even be out of work to use our services. The CareerCenter has information about a wide variety of programs and services to assist people in transition between jobs or careers, or looking to advance in their current career. Staff can also provide referrals and information on how to apply for services from many different local programs, such as:

- Housing Information - Child Care Information - Unemployment Compensation Information - Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF) Information - Health Care / Affordable Care Act Information - General Assistance Program Information & Referrals - College Financial Aid Information & FASFA Workshop Referrals - On-the-Job-Training Information and Referrals

**Workshops and Training** - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/employment/workshops.shtml" target="_blank">List of monthly interactive workshops

Virtual Workshop: Maine's Employment & Training Program Info Session

July 18, 2023 from 3-4 p.m.

Do you need help finding your next job or finding support for a training you are interested in? The WIOA Title 1B services may be the program for you! Join staff from Eastern Maine Development Corps for this session discussing the services, eligibility and how to get enrolled. To Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/maines-employment-training-program-info-session-tickets-630228710037?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Virtual Workshop: Young Mainer's Workforce Academy

This 7-week course (Wednesdays & Thursdays, 9amnoon) is an ongoing Academy.

Are you between the ages of 16-24 and looking to start your career? Join us for this 7-week virtual training to learn about career and education opportunities while earning a paycheck. We'll explore careers with employers who are hiring in your area (industries include healthcare, IT & skilled labor, and change depending on your interests) and offer training tailored towards your interests.

For more information, text or call 207-991-0147 or email [email protected]

**Hiring Events** - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/employment/hiringevents/" target="_blank">List of monthly hiring events

To explore additional opportunities and meet with employers, visit one of our upcoming hiring events:

- July 5, 2023 Greater Portland Hiring Event - July 6, 2023 Sanford Hiring Event - July 7, 2023 Brunswick Hiring Event: General Dynamics/Bath Iron Works - July 8, 2023 Brunswick Hiring Event: General Dynamics/Bath Iron Works - July 12, 2023 Lewiston Hiring Event: Lewiston Outdoor Event - July 12, 2023 Springvale Hiring Event: Sweetser - July 13, 2023 Sanford Hiring Event - July 14, 2023 Augusta Hiring Event: General Dynamics/Bath Iron Works - July 15, 2023 Augusta Hiring Event: General Dynamics/Bath Iron Works - July 18, 2023 Augusta Hiring Event - July 19, 2023 Augusta Hiring Event: Sweetser - July 20, 2023 Sanford Hiring Event - July 25, 2023 Augusta Hiring Event: Hire a Veteran Day! - July 27, 2023 Bangor Hiring Event: Manpower - July 27, 2023 Bangor Hiring Event: Sandollar Spa & Pool - July 27, 2023 Sanford Hiring Event

**EMPLOYERS**

Did you miss the Maine Employer Summit? No worries!

In May 2023, 350+ employers & workforce partners gathered to discuss and share ideas to support workforce recruitment, retention and attraction efforts. Presentations ranged from attracting and retaining older workers, to creating employer partnerships and upskilling current staff through innovative training models-and more!

https://www.maineemployersummit.com/presentations

Healthcare Training:

Twenty new paramedics from eight Maine counties graduated June 26 from the United Training Center in Lewiston after receiving tuition support from https://www.maine.gov/healthcaretrainingforme/" target="_blank">Healthcare Training For ME, an initiative of Governor Mills Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan to bolster Maines health care workforce.

To date, more than 4,000 people are either now enrolled in healthcare workforce programs or have completed free or reduced cost training to begin or advance their health care careers through Healthcare Training for ME.

"It just feels right going to work every day, and thats pretty nice," said Michael Allen, a firefighter with the Topsham Fire Department and one of the graduating paramedics. "I've been waiting all these years to become a paramedic, because I never had the money to do it. The tuition remission was a huge help. It was the right time and the right place, and it was just a huge accomplishment to be able to do it."

Healthcare employers, as well as current or potential healthcare workers, may be eligible to access funding through the Healthcare Training For ME partnership. To identify what supports are available, please visit the partnerships website or email [email protected].

Healthcare employers, as well as current or potential healthcare workers, may be eligible to access funding through the https://www.maine.gov/healthcaretrainingforme/" target="_blank">Healthcare Training For ME partnership. To identify what supports are available, please visit the partnerships website or email [email protected].

**Helping Business to Recruit and Train Employees** - https://www.mainecareercenter.gov/employers/index.shtml" target="_blank">Online resources

**Contact Us**

- Services are available virtually via the CareerCenter hotline: 207-623-7981 | 888-457-8883 | TTY users call Maine Relay 711

- Live Chat: https://www.mainecareercenter.gov/index.shtml

- E-mail: [email protected]

**EMPLOYERS!**

Workplace safety requirements can seem complex - join the Maine Department of Labor for no-cost upcoming safety trainings!

Upcoming classes:

- **Mine Safety and Health Administration- Refresher: June 30, 2023 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta** The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requires all surface mining (i.e., stone crushing, gravel pit, etc.) employees to receive an eight-hour annual training. This one-day course will cover generic MSHA training. However, site-specific training will also need to be conducted once you return to your respective job sites.

- **Mine Safety and Health Administration: New Miner: July 17, 2023 from 8 a.m. 5 p.m. at the SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta** This course covers eight hours of classroom training under Part 46 training requirements per the Mine Safety and Health Administration for all new miners. This is only a portion of the new miner training requirements; the balance of the training must be completed by the employer.

- **Video Display Terminal Train-the-Trainer: July 18, 2023 from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta**

Maine's Video Display Terminal (VDT) law requires employers to train VDT operators how to work safely at the computer. This class prepares trainers, supervisors, and safety-team members to recognize and eliminate the hazards to which VDT operators are exposed.

- **Ladder Safety: July 19, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. at the SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta**

Ladders are a major source of injuries and fatalities in the workplace. However, falls can be reduced if people use caution when climbing ladders or when working in places where falls are a potential hazard. This half-day course will demonstrate how falls from ladders can be prevented through education which includes planning for their use, ladder inspection, and using basic ladder safeguards.

- **Impairment Detection Training for Employers: July 20, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. at the Rockland CareerCenter, 91 Camden Street, Suite 201, Rockland**

This one-day training session is designed to help owners, managers, and supervisors recognize and respond appropriately to employee-impairment in the workplace in order to reduce worker accidents and injuries. Participants will be taught procedures to detect impairment regardless of the substance or cause. This class is designed to fulfill the federal DOT requirements for reasonable suspicion training of supervisors. In addition, participants will learn how to develop and implement policies that address impairment in the workplace and are in compliance with Maine's Substance Use Testing Law.

- **Silica Awareness: July 20, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. at the SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta**

Exposure to silica dust is common and dangerous that OSHA has strengthened the rules. Learn about the health hazards of silica, the OSHA regulations, and how to protect workers from overexposure.

- **OSHA Recordkeeping: July 26, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. at the University of Maine Presque Isle, Folsom Hall, Room 203**

This class provides thorough and comprehensive six-hour training for both new and experienced safety and human resources personnel. You will learn the OSHA rule (29 CFR 1904) regarding recording and reporting work-related injuries and illnesses as it applies to your organization, including COVID-19 recordability guidance. This class includes several hands-on activities on how to correctly fill out the required injury reporting forms. An additional 30 to 45 minutes will be available for businesses providing healthcare services or healthcare support services who are required by 1910.502(q) to keep a supplemental Covid-19 illness log.



- Register and browse more classes here: https://www.safetyworksmaine.gov/training/scheduled_classes/register.shtml - If you have questions about safety or upcoming classes, reach out to SafetyWorks! at 1-877-SAFE-345 or [email protected] . - If you have questions about Wage and Hour compliance, please reach out to the Wage and Hour Division at 207-623-7900 or [email protected], or visit https://www.maine.gov/labor/bls/ .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 16, 2023 Contact: Glenn Mills, 207-621-5192

**The Employment Situation in Maine - May 2023**

Labor market conditions remained positive in May, with jobs and unemployment at record levels. The 646,900 nonfarm wage and salary jobs matched the high previously reached in December; the 2.4 percent unemployment rate matched the low previously reached in April.

This news release presents estimates derived from two monthly surveys. The Current Population Survey collects information from households on labor force status, including labor force participation, employment, and unemployment. The Current Employment Statistics survey collects information from nonfarm employers by industry on the number of jobs, hours worked, and wages paid to individuals on their payrolls. Both surveys are administered by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Preliminary estimates from the two surveys sometimes diverge in direction or magnitude of change. Annual revisions published each spring tend to bring them in to better alignment.

**Statewide Seasonally Adjusted Labor Force Estimates**

The unemployment rate remained 2.4 percent in May. The rate has been below four percent for 18 consecutive months, tied for the third longest period on record. Labor force participation and employment rates edged up in the month. The employment-to-population ratio increased for the fifth consecutive month.

Three-month averages generally provide a better indication of workforce conditions as they smooth some of the variability in sample-based estimates and they reflect revisions for previous months. The 2.5 percent average unemployment rate for March to May is down from 2.9 percent for the three months through February. In that period average labor force participation and employment rates increased.

The unemployment rate for Maine was below U.S. and New England 3.7 and 3.0 percent rates for May.

**Statewide Seasonally Adjusted Nonfarm Jobs Estimates**

Total nonfarm wage and salary jobs increased 1,200 in May to 646,900, matching the record high previously reached in December. The number of jobs has fluctuated in a small range and has essentially been unchanged for seven months. The most notable change in May was an increase of 600 jobs in healthcare and social assistance.

In the three months through May the number of jobs decreased an average of 200 per month over the three months through February. The three-month average was 1.4 percentage points higher than the average for calendar year 2019, before the pandemic. Private sector jobs were 1.9 percent higher and government jobs were 1.2 percent lower, mostly in public higher education.

**County and Metro Area Not Seasonally Adjusted Labor Force Estimates**

On a not seasonally-adjusted basis the statewide unemployment rate was 2.6 percent. Of the 16 counties, rates were at least 0.3 percentage points higher than that in six counties, at least 0.3 points lower than that in four, and close to the average in six. Rates were lowest in Sagadahoc and York and highest in Aroostook counties.

Among the three metro areas of the state, unemployment was below the statewide average in Portland-S. Portland and close to the average in Bangor and Lewiston-Auburn.

(Labor force estimates for substate areas, including unemployment rates, are not seasonally adjusted. Because of this, estimates for a certain month should be compared to the same month in other years and should not be compared to other months.)

**Statewide and Metro Area Not Seasonally Adjusted Hours and Earnings Estimates**

The private sector workweek averaged 33.5 hours and earnings averaged $30.01 per hour in May. Average hours decreased 0.7 and hourly earnings increased 3.9 percent from a year earlier. Earnings increases were led by an 8.2 percent gain in manufacturing. The workweek was longest in construction and shortest in leisure and hospitality. Earnings were highest in professional and business services and lowest in leisure and hospitality.

Hourly earnings were higher than the statewide average in the Portland-S. Portland metro and lower in Bangor and Lewiston-Auburn.

- This news release is available in a more accessible format - https://www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/news/release.html

- June workforce estimates will be released Friday, July 21 at 10 a.m. The data release schedule - https://www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/releaseDates.html

- Nonfarm jobs data is available - https://www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/ces.html

- Unemployment and labor force data is available - https://www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/laus.html

**NOTES**

1. Preliminary seasonally-adjusted labor force estimates, including rates (labor force participation, employment, and unemployment rates), and levels (labor force, employed, and unemployed), as well as nonfarm wage and salary job estimates are inexact. Annual revisions (published in March each year) add accuracy. A comparison of 2021 and 2022 revised and previously published estimates is available in this blog.

2. The 90 percent confidence interval for the statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for May was between 1.6 and 3.1 percent.

3. Nonfarm wage and salary jobs from the payroll survey provide a better indication of changes in employment than resident employment from the household survey. The payroll survey is larger and has smaller margins of error.

4. Nonfarm payroll jobs estimates tend to be variable from month to month because the representativeness of reporting employers can differ. Seasonal adjustment is imperfect because weather, the beginning and ending of school semesters, and other events do not always occur with the same timing relative to the pay period that includes the 12th day of the month, which is the survey reference period. This sometimes exacerbates monthly changes in jobs estimates. Users should look to the trend over multiple months rather than the change from one specific month to another. Jobs estimates for the period from April 2022 to September 2023 will be replaced with payroll data in March 2024. Those benchmark revisions usually show less monthly variability than preliminary estimates do.

Maine CareerCenters and Maine Department of Labor are equal opportunity providers. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.

For Immediate Release - May 26, 2023

**CareerCenter June Hiring Events and Services**

MAINE - Are you a job seeker and not sure what the next step in your career is, or an employer looking to expand your workforce? The Maine Department of Labor's CareerCenters, together with their partners, offer many services to help people find employment or upgrade skills, and help employers find qualified workers.

**JOB SEEKERS**

Workshops and Training - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/employment/workshops.shtml

Virtual Workshop: Navigating Hiring Process for Individuals with a Criminal History June 2, 2023 from 12 p.m. Are you an individual with a criminal history and not sure how to navigate the job search and hiring process due to your past offenses? This workshop is for you! Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/navigating-hiring-process-for-individuals-with-a-criminal-history-tickets-630260906337?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Virtual Workshop: Maine's Employment & Training Program Info Session by Eastern Maine Development Corporation June 6, 2023 from 34 p.m. Do you need help finding your next job or finding support for a training you are interested in? The WIOA Title 1B services may be the program for you! Join staff from Eastern Maine Development Corps for this session discussing the services, eligibility and how to get enrolled. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/maines-employment-training-program-info-session-tickets-630059634327?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Virtual Workshop: Searching for Work : Age 55+ With or Without Health & Physical Restriction June 15, 2023 from 1011 a.m. Does it sometimes seem like your age or experience is working against you in your job search? It's true that some employers may have reservations, but many see that hiring and retaining older workers will be key to staying competitive. Whether exploring a new career or searching for a job, this presentation will provide tips and suggestions to overcome bias and promote confidence in re-entering the workforce. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/searching-for-work-age-55-with-or-without-health-physical-restriction-tickets-630272731707?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Virtual Workshop: Creating A Winning Resume

**New Day and Time! Offered monthly on 1st and 3rd Fridays, 910:30 a.m.**

Is it time for you to create a new resume and you're not sure on how to get started? Join us for this 90-minute virtual session as we discuss how to create a winning resume. Following the workshop you'll also learn how you can schedule a virtual meeting with a CareerCenter consultant who can review your new resume and provide additional support.

During the workshop we will teach you how to write a dynamic winning resume and provide you with the tools you need to promote and target your qualifications to directly match the employer's needs. You will also learn how to ensure that your resume and cover letter make the best first impression to employers. Prerequisite for this workshop: A current Maine JobLink account. If you need assistance with creating a Maine JobLink account, please contact [email protected].

Pre-Registration is required. To register, click on the Eventbrite link. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creating-a-winning-resume-tickets-139151561065

**HIRING EVENTS** - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/employment/hiringevents/

- June 1, 2023 Hinckley Hiring Event: Veterans Resource Event - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=10968658

- June 1, 2023 Bangor Hiring Event: Smith Builders Roofing - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=11032256

- June 7, 2023 Portland Hiring Event: Greater Portland CareerCenter Event - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=10986771

- June 7, 2023 Bangor Hiring Event: Hinckley Yachts - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=11061960

- June 8, 2023 Lewiston City of Auburn Housing & Employment Symposium - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=11026563

- June 14, 2023 Brunswick Hiring Event: Downtown Hiring Event - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=11003790

- June 20, 2023 Lewiston Hiring Event: Outdoor Hiring Event - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=10945557

- June 21, 2023 Augusta Hiring Event: Sweetser - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=10915300

- June 22, 2023- August 24, 2023 Springvale Hiring Event: Summer Thursday Hiring Events June 22 thru August 24, 2023 - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=11049386

**EMPLOYERS**

Helping Business to Recruit and Train Employees

Maine CareerCenters provide a variety of employment and training services at no charge for Maine workers and businesses. We assist all sizes of employers with recruiting, hiring, training, workforce services and access to labor market information. Whether your business is growing or downsizing, we can assist with job retention, expansion, and creation, as well as help workers who are facing job loss due to downsizing or closures.

**Helping Business to Recruit and Train Employees** - https://www.mainecareercenter.gov/employers/index.shtml

**Healthcare Training Resources**

Healthcare Training for ME: This partnership can provide healthcare training to your staff and resources to help defray the costs of training. This is an opportunity to help staff advance in their careers and gain valuable credentials all while upskilling your workforce. Available trainings may include options to host on-site at your workplace, online, and at convenient locations in the community. Submit a training request today to learn more about how we can work with you to support and upskill your workforce: https://www.maine.gov/healthcaretrainingforme/

**Contact Us**

Services are available virtually via the CareerCenter hotline:

- 207-623-7981

- 888-457-8883

- TTY users call Maine Relay 711

- LiveChat - https://www.mainecareercenter.gov/index.shtml

- E-mail

If youd prefer to access services and information in-person at one of our CareerCenters, call the CareerCenter hotline to schedule an appointment or visit the https://www.mainecareercenter.gov/locations/" target="_blank">CareerCenter location website to see when staff are on-site near you.

Each of the centers across the state provides public computers with internet access, Microsoft Office, resume/cover letter writing software, and https://www.onetonline.org/" target="_blank">O*Net software for personal skills assessment.

Employers can list their open positions on Maine JobLink and use our online system which matches jobs with candidates. All CareerCenter services are provided at no charge to employers and job seekers. Veterans and eligible spouses receive priority of service in all Department of Labor programs.

For Immediate Release: May 25, 2023

**Maine Senate Confirms New and Returning Members to Maine's State Workforce Board**

AUGUSTA - The Maine Senate confirmed eight new nominees to the State Workforce Board (SWB), as well as four returning members, in a vote held Thursday morning. The eight new SWB members, nominated by Governor Janet Mills, are Al M. Harris of Waterville, Briana Warner of Cumberland, Michael Tyler of Camden, Corinne Watson of Oakfield, Tuesdi Woodworth of Searsmont, Melissa Hue of Portland, David J. Dunning of Orrington, and Alexander Rodman Rogers of Manchester. The four reappointed members are Allyson Coombs of Brunswick, Jennifer Fullmer of Brunswick, Colleen Hilton of South Portland, and John Leavitt of Saco.

"The work of the State Workforce Board to align our economic and workforce development goals has never been more important to Mainers and our businesses. With the confirmation vote by the Maine Senate the State Workforce Board has gained eight new exceptional leaders who will work to address the pressing needs of both Maine employers and workers, including connecting them with a skilled workforce and high demand jobs," said State Workforce Board Chair Guy Langevin. "These individuals are qualified, and well respected in their fields, representing a number of Maine industries. Their expertise will be beneficial to the State Workforce Board as it tackles the important work ahead. We are also glad to see experienced leaders returning to the Board that have added valuable insights to our collective work."

The State Workforce Board (SWB) is an employer-led board whose purpose is to ensure that Maine's workforce development system helps Maine people and businesses compete successfully in the global economy. The SWB advises the Governor on workforce policy and the development and evaluation of the Workforce Development System (WDS), which includes other state agencies such as Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services along with the Community College System, University of Maine System, and Maine employers.

Allyson Coombs is the Director of Human Resources at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works and has been since May of 2020. Coombs has spent over 23 years of human resources experience working in various manufacturing and construction sectors including marine, transportation, power generation, industrial, and transmission & distribution. She has extensive knowledge of human resource activities, specifically project staffing, recruiting, training, and EEO compliance. This will be Coombs' second term on the State Workforce Board.

Jennifer Fullmer served as the Executive Director of Boots2Roots. Fullmer has 28 years of experience developing and leading high-performing and diverse U.S., interagency, international, and nonprofit teams. Her experience ranges from being Chief Operating Officer of the largest U.S. air base in the Middle East to building and running a successful nonprofit contributing to workforce solutions. This will be Fullmer's second term on the State Workforce Board where she serves as chair of the Worker, Employment, Education, and Training subcommittee.

Colleen Hilton, RN, BSN is a Senior Vice President of Northern Light Health and President of Northern Light Home Care & Hospice. Hilton is a registered nurse and is responsible for setting the vision, mission, and strategic direction of the organization. Colleen is a passionate advocate for home health and hospice. She is president of the Home Care Alliance of Maine Board of Directors. She is a member of the Organization of Maine Nurse Executives and has several professional advisory roles in healthcare. She has also served as the chair of the Cumberland District Public Health Council, advocating for public health throughout southern Maine. Hilton has served as President of Northern Light Home Care and Hospice since 2003. This will be Hilton's second term on the State Workforce Board.

John Leavitt is Business Manager, NH/ME/VT, for the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and oversees business development for Carpenter Union Locals 349 and 352 across Northern New England. Leavitt has more than 40 years of experience in the construction industry. This will be Leavitt's second term on the State Workforce Board.

Al M. Harris is a Human Resources Manager for SAPPI North America. Harris is a human resources professional with a focus on strategic planning and business transformation. He came most recently from working in human resources for International Paper Company. This will be Harris' first term and appointment to the State Workforce Board.

Briana Warner is the CEO of Atlantic Sea Farms. As the CEO of Atlantic Sea Farms, she and her team have forged a new path for seaweed aquaculture in the US by working with fishermen to grow kelp as a climate change adaptation strategy - and building national demand for that kelp. Warner has followed a mission-driven path that brought her to kelp - including serving several tours as a diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service, starting and selling a wholesale bakery focused on employing newly resettled refugees, and creating the first Economic Development programming suite at the Maine-based Island Institute. This will be Warner's first term and appointment to the State Workforce Board.

Michael Tyler is the Managing Partner of Sandy River Company, a healthcare consulting and development firm based in Portland, Maine. The firm has developed projects in Maine and Massachusetts, including assisted living facilities designed and programmed to serve individuals with Alzheimer's. This will be Tyler's first term and appointment to the State Workforce Board.

Corinne Watson is the Founder and CEO of Tiny Homes of Maine. Watson started her career in manufacturing with Fairchild Semiconductor and then Smith & Wesson, where she learned the fundamentals of lean manufacturing, a process that creates efficiency. She returned to Southern Maine in 2012 to work as a process engineer at IDEXX. Corinne put her lean manufacturing expertise to work and began improving the manufacturing process and efficiencies of the company's small animal and livestock analyzer unit. Watson founded Tiny Homes of Maine to merge a passion for design and architecture with her manufacturing background into a purposeful business. This will be Watson's first term and appointment to the State Workforce Board.

Tuesdi Woodworth is the CFO of Front Street Shipyard. Woodworth has over twenty years of experience in the marine trade industry and understands challenges faced within the workforce. Her experience includes financial management, budgeting, and supervision of all office staff. This will be Woodworth's first term and appointment to the State Workforce Board.

Melissa Hue is the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the City of Lewiston. Hue is the City of Lewiston's first-ever Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), coming on board in August 2021. The position was one of the main recommendations from Mayor Mark Cayer's Ad Hoc Equity & Diversity Committee that was established in 2020. Her primary focus has been creating and re-structuring policies to become equitable and inclusive for all in hopes of providing impactful systemic changes for marginalized communities. This will be Hue's first term and appointment to the State Workforce Board.

David J. Dunning, SPHR, SCP, is Vice President of Human Resources and Marketing for S. W. Cole Engineering, Inc. Dunning joined S. W. Cole in 1986 as a Laboratory Technician and, since then, has held the positions of Engineering Technician, and Environmental Scientist. David, who received a B.S. in environmental technology from Cornell University, has more than 25 years of experience in marketing and human resources. This will be Dunning's first term and appointment to the State Workforce Board.

Alexander Rodman Rogers is Founder and CEO of Grace Hospitality Associates, Inc. Rogers has 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry providing visionary strategic, fiscal, and operational leadership. He currently operates the Maine Evergreen Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection, which is a 76-room, upscale boutique hotel in Augusta. This will be Roger's first term and appointment to the State Workforce Board.

For Immediate Release: May 22, 2023

**Maine Departments of Labor & Economic and Community Development to Host The Maine Employer Summit in Augusta**

*The summit will connect employers with the latest labor market information and workforce resources*

Augusta, MAINE - Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 8:30 a.m., the Maine Departments of Labor and Economic and Community Development, in partnership with the State Workforce Board, will host Reach: The Maine Employer Summit - https://www.maineemployersummit.com/ at the Augusta Civic Center. The one-day event will connect 300+ participating employers, government agencies, workforce partners, and State of Maine resources to help with workforce opportunities, discuss how to break down barriers to attracting and hiring specific communities, and share best practices, challenges, and innovations in creating a more inclusive, sustainable workforce. Commissioner of Labor Laura Fortman and Commissioner of Economic and Community Development Heather Johnson will deliver opening remarks. Governor Mills will deliver recorded remarks to the conference.

The summit schedule can be found here: https://www.maineemployersummit.com/schedule. Limited in-person tickets are still available as well as virtual opportunities for participation by registering here: https://greentreeevents.regfox.com/2023-reach-the-maine-employer-summit .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 19, 2022 Contact: Glenn Mills, 207-621-5192

**The Employment Situation in Maine - April 2023**

Unemployment was the lowest on record and jobs remained close to all-time highs in April. The number of nonfarm wage and salary jobs is little changed over the last six months. The 2.4 percent unemployment rate was the lowest for the series, which dates to 1976

This news release presents estimates derived from two monthly surveys. The Current Population Survey collects information from households on labor force status, including labor force participation, employment, and unemployment. The Current Employment Statistics survey collects information from nonfarm employers by industry on the number of jobs, hours worked, and wages paid to individuals on their payrolls. Both surveys are administered by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Preliminary estimates from the two surveys sometimes diverge in direction or magnitude of change. Annual revisions published each spring tend to bring them in to better alignment.

**Statewide Seasonally Adjusted Labor Force Estimates**

The unemployment rate decreased to 2.4 percent for April. This eclipses the 2.6 percent low previously reached in March 2023 and in May and June 2022. The rate has been below four percent for 17 consecutive months, the fourth longest period on record. Labor force participation and employment rates edged up in the month. The employment-to-population ratio increased each of the last four months.

Three-month averages generally provide a better indication of workforce conditions as they smooth some of the variability in sample-based estimates and they reflect revisions for previous months. The 2.6 percent average unemployment rate for February to April was down from 3.0 percent for the three months through January. In that period average labor force participation and employment rates increased slightly.

The unemployment rate for Maine was below U.S. and New England 3.4 and 3.3 percent rates for April.

**Statewide and Metro Area Not Seasonally Adjusted Hours and Earnings Estimates**

The private sector workweek averaged 33.6 hours and earnings averaged $30.28 per hour in April. Hourly earnings increased 5.5 percent from a year earlier, led by a 9.0 percent gain in leisure and hospitality. The workweek was longest in manufacturing and shortest in leisure and hospitality. Earnings were highest in professional and business services and lowest in leisure and hospitality.

Hourly earnings were higher than the statewide average in the Portland-S. Portland metro and lower in Bangor and Lewiston-Auburn.

This news release is available in a more accessible format - https://www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/news/release.html

**Statewide Seasonally Adjusted Nonfarm Jobs Estimates**

Total nonfarm wage and salary jobs increased 800 in April to 646,000. The number of jobs has been relatively unchanged for six months. The most notable change in the month was an increase of 600 leisure and hospitality jobs, as the sector bounced back to levels that prevailed around the turn of the year.

In the three months through April the number of jobs decreased an average of 200 per month over the three months through January. The three-month average was 1.4 percentage points higher than the average for calendar year 2019, before the pandemic. Private sector jobs were 1.9 percent higher and government jobs were 1.3 percent lower, mostly in public higher education.

**County and Metro Area Not Seasonally Adjusted Labor Force Estimates**

On a not seasonally-adjusted basis the statewide unemployment rate was 2.3 percent. Of the 16 counties, rates were at least 0.3 percentage points higher than that in six counties, at least 0.3 points lower than that in four, and close to the average in six. The rate was lowest in Sagadahoc County and highest in Aroostook County.

Among the three metro areas of the state, unemployment was below the statewide average in Portland-S. Portland and close to the average in Bangor and Lewiston-Auburn.

(For substate areas, labor force estimates, including unemployment rates, are not seasonally adjusted. Because of this, estimates for a certain month should be compared to the same month in other years and should not be compared to other months.)

May workforce estimates will be released Friday, June 16 at 10 a.m. The data release schedule is available at https://www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/releaseDates.html

Nonfarm jobs data is available at https://www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/ces.html

Unemployment and labor force data is available at https://www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/laus.html

NOTES:

1. Preliminary seasonally-adjusted labor force estimates, including rates (labor force participation, employment, and unemployment rates), and levels (labor force, employed, and unemployed), as well as nonfarm wage and salary job estimates are inexact. Annual revisions (published in March each year) add accuracy. A comparison of 2021 and 2022 revised and previously published estimates is available at https://www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/blogs/2023_workforce_data_revisions.pdf . 2. The 90 percent confidence interval for the statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for April was between 1.7 and 3.2 percent. 3. Nonfarm wage and salary jobs from the payroll survey provide a better indication of changes in employment than resident employment from the household survey. The payroll survey is larger and has smaller margins of error. 4. Nonfarm payroll jobs estimates tend to be variable from month to month because the representativeness of reporting employers can differ. Seasonal adjustment is imperfect because weather, the beginning and ending of school semesters, and other events do not always occur with the same timing relative to the pay period that includes the 12th day of the month, which is the survey reference period. This sometimes exacerbates monthly changes in jobs estimates. Users should look to the trend over multiple months rather than the change from one specific month to another. Jobs estimates for the period from April 2022 to September 2023 will be replaced with payroll data in March 2024. Those benchmark revisions usually show less monthly variability than preliminary estimates do.

For Immediate Release: April 28, 2023

**Maine Dept. of Labor Commemorates Workers Memorial Day**

*At least 20 Maine workers died while either on the job, traveling to or from the job, or as a result of an injury or illness connected to their work in 2022.*

MAINE - April 28 is nationally recognized as Workers Memorial Day, a day to remember those who have died on, or as a result of, their job.

"In 2022, at least 20 Maine workers died while either on the job, traveling to or from the job, or as a result of an injury or illness connected to their work," **Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman said.** "We mourn each of these lost lives, we reflect on the impact their loss has on their families and communities, and we recommit ourselves to our duty to protect the workers of Maine. Safety is everyone's business, and everyone deserves to go home to their families at the end of the day."

Today is also the fifty-second anniversary of the federal https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/oshact/completeoshact" target="_blank">Occupational Safety & Health Act going into effect, promising every worker the right to a safe job. This was following decades of tragic and preventable losses of American workers lives.

In 1970, it is estimated, around 14,000 American workers were killed on the job. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cfoi.pdf" target="_blank">According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in 2021, the last year for which there is a complete record, there were 5,190 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States.

While an improvement from 1970, this is a fatal work injury rate of 3.6 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers, an increase from 3.4 per 100,000 FTE in 2020 and up from the 2019 pre-pandemic rate of 3.5. The 3.6 fatal occupational injury rate in 2021 represents the highest annual rate since 2016, and means that **in the U.S. a worker died every 101 minutes from a work-related injury in 2021**.

The Maine Department of Labor works to evolve with the needs of todays workers and employers. Some steps the Department takes to improve workplace safety and health are:

- Hold classes through the https://www.safetyworksmaine.gov/" target="_blank">SafetyWorks! Training Institute to help employers and workers learn how to use equipment safely and correctly - Provide no-cost safety consultations for employers - Increase awareness through messaging and publications about workplace hazards - Collect data on deaths and injuries in order to see trends - Administer the http://www.safetyworksmaine.com/safe_workplace/sharp.html" target="_blank">Safety and Health Achievement and Recognition Program (SHARP) and https://www.safetyworksmaine.com/safe_workplace/shape.html" target="_blank">Safety and Health Award for Public Employers (SHAPE) to promote workplace safety and health - Collaborate with other agencies, from federal partners such as OSHA to local industry alliances, to provide Maines employers with information, guidance, and access to training resources to protect workers

The Department encourages any employer or worker who has questions or concerns about workplace safety to reach out to the Workplace Safety and Health Division, 207-623-7900.

For more information on Maines SafetyWorks! Training Institute and how to sign up for no-cost consultations and trainings, visit: https://www.safetyworksmaine.gov/

For more information on Workers Memorial Day events and initiatives happening nationwide, visit: https://www.osha.gov/workers-memorial

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 21, 2022

Contact: Glenn Mills, 207-621-5192

**The Employment Situation in Maine - March 2023**

The number of nonfarm wage and salary jobs was little changed in March, remaining close to the level of the previous four months. Unemployment decreased slightly in the month. Each measure remained near record levels.

This news release presents estimates derived from two monthly surveys. The Current Population Survey collects information from households on labor force status, including labor force participation, employment, and unemployment. The Current Employment Statistics survey collects information from nonfarm employers by industry on the number of jobs, hours worked, and wages paid to individuals on their payrolls. Both surveys are administered by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Preliminary estimates from the two surveys sometimes diverge in direction or magnitude of change. Annual revisions published each spring tend to bring them in to better alignment.

**Statewide Seasonally Adjusted Labor Force Estimates**

The unemployment rate for March decreased 0.2 from the previous month to 2.6 percent, matching the lowest rate on record, previously reached in May and June 2022. Unemployment has been below four percent for 16 consecutive months, the fourth longest period on record. Labor force participation and employment to population ratios were little changed in the month.

Three-month averages generally provide a better indication of workforce conditions as they smooth some of the variability in sample-based estimates and they reflect revisions for previous months. The 2.8 percent average unemployment rate for January to March was down from 3.1 percent for the three months through December. In that period average labor force participation was little changed.

The unemployment rate for Maine was below U.S. and New England 3.5 and 3.4 percent rates for March.

**Statewide Seasonally Adjusted Nonfarm Jobs Estimates**

Total nonfarm wage and salary jobs changed little in March. The 645,700 jobs were 600 lower than the revised February estimate. The change in jobs was small in nearly all sectors. The most notable over the month job change was a decrease of 500 in manufacturing, which remained close to the 14-year high reached in February.

In the three months through March the number of jobs increased an average of 600 per month over the three months through December. The three-month average was 1.4 percentage points higher than the average for calendar year 2019, before the pandemic. Private sector jobs were 1.9 percent higher and government jobs were 0.9 percent lower, mostly in public higher education.

**County and Metro Area Not Seasonally Adjusted Labor Force Estimates**

On a not seasonally-adjusted basis the statewide unemployment rate was 2.9 percent. Of the 16 counties, rates were at least 0.3 percentage points higher than that in ten counties, at least 0.3 points lower than that in three, and close to the average in three. The lowest unemployment rates were in Cumberland and Sagadahoc and the highest was in Somerset County.

Among the three metro areas of the state, unemployment was below the statewide average in Portland-S. Portland (2.3 percent) and close to the average in Bangor (2.6 percent) and Lewiston-Auburn (2.9 percent).

(For substate areas, labor force estimates, including unemployment rates, are not seasonally adjusted. Because of this, estimates for a certain month should be compared to the same month in other years and should not be compared to other months.)

**Statewide and Metro Area Not Seasonally Adjusted Hours and Earnings Estimates**

The private sector workweek averaged 33.4 hours and earnings averaged $29.66 per hour in March. Hourly earnings increased 4.1 percent from a year earlier, led by a 7.7 percent gain in manufacturing. The workweek was longest in manufacturing and shortest in leisure and hospitality. Earnings were highest in professional and business services and lowest in leisure and hospitality.

Hourly earnings were higher than the statewide average in the Portland-S. Portland metro and lower in Bangor and Lewiston-Auburn.

- This news release is available in a more accessible format - https://www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/news/release.html - April workforce estimates will be released Friday, May 19 at 10 a.m. The data release schedule - https://www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/releaseDates.html - Nonfarm jobs data is available - https://www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/ces.html - Unemployment and labor force data is available - https://www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/laus.html

NOTES:

1. Preliminary seasonally-adjusted labor force estimates, including rates (labor force participation, employment, and unemployment rates), and levels (labor force, employed, and unemployed), as well as nonfarm wage and salary job estimates are inexact. Annual revisions (published in March each year) add accuracy. A comparison of 2021 and 2022 revised and previously published estimates is available in this https://www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/blogs/2023_workforce_data_revisions.pdf" target="_blank">blog. 2. The 90 percent confidence interval for the statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for March was between 1.8 and 3.4 percent. 3. Nonfarm wage and salary jobs from the payroll survey provide a better indication of changes in employment than resident employment from the household survey. The payroll survey is larger and has smaller margins of error. 4. Nonfarm payroll jobs estimates tend to be variable from month to month because the representativeness of reporting employers can differ. Seasonal adjustment is imperfect because weather, the beginning and ending of school semesters, and other events do not always occur with the same timing relative to the pay period that includes the 12th day of the month, which is the survey reference period. This sometimes exacerbates monthly changes in jobs estimates. Users should look to the trend over multiple months rather than the change from one specific month to another. Jobs estimates for the period from April 2022 to September 2023 will be replaced with payroll data in March 2024. Those benchmark revisions usually show less monthly variability than preliminary estimates do

For Immediate Release: April 3, 2023

**Job Seekers Invited to Lisbon Career Expo April 14**

*Over 50 companies will be participating in this collaborative event!*

LISBON - The public is invited to join the Maine CareerCenter, Lisbon Economic and Community Development, and the Lisbon High School Guidance Department for a Career Expo to be held at Lisbon High School, 2 Sugg Drive, on Friday, April 14, 2023 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. This free event will feature dozens of local employers in a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, construction, direct care, and retail, and is open to all job seekers.

Students at Lisbon High School will also have the opportunity to attend learning seminars in the morning and then the career fair from 9-10:30 a.m. Attending students will be able to talk to providers about colleges, jobs in the trades, local summer jobs, military opportunities, entrepreneurial resources, technical training centers, and more!

"Whether you are a student, job seeker, or someone looking into their next career options, I encourage you to attend the Lisbon Career Expo on April 14," **said Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman.** "It is great to be able to work collaboratively with the town and high school to bring these opportunities directly to students and the surrounding community."

"Lisbon, as a community, is focused on helping connect our employers and our residents in the job market," **said Ross Cunningham, Director of Economic and Community Development for the Town of Lisbon.** "We have a fantastic group of local and regional employers attending this event and we look forward to helping fill their job vacancies. Being part of a group of organizations that is hosting this event has been very rewarding and super effective."

"Career exploration is an important component of the school counseling curriculum," **said Jill Piker, School Counselor at Lisbon High School.** "We are hoping the Career Expo will encourage students to think about the wide variety of resources available to them and to start planning their future career goals. It is also a unique opportunity to host local organizations and employers to offer an event open to our students and members of our community, and we are happy to partner with the Maine CareerCenter and Lisbon Economic and Community Development to help make this happen."

**Event Details:**

- When: Friday, April 14th from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Where: Lisbon High School Gym, 2 Sugg Dr., Lisbon

Attendees will also be able to have complimentary headshots taken by Sea Mist Photography. Pinky D's Poutine food truck will also be on site during the event.

There's no need to pre-register, just walk right in with your resume and great work ethic!

Any updates will be posted here: https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=10555439

For more details, contact Lisbon Economic & Community Development at [email protected]

MAINE - Are you a job seeker and not sure what the next step in your career is, or an employer looking to expand your workforce? The Maine Department of Labor's CareerCenters, together with their partners, offer many services to help people find employment or upgrade skills, and help employers find qualified workers.

**JOB SEEKERS**

Maine CareerCenters are the place to start when you're looking for your first job, your next job, a better job, or a whole new career. https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/index.shtml" target="_blank">Connect with your closest CareerCenter and ask about any of the services below. Support services may also be available to assist with child care, transportation and tuition, as well as referals to resources for housing, starting your own business, and healthcare insurance.

**WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING**

https://www.mainecareercenter.com/employment/workshops.shtml" target="_blank">Monthly workshops

**April 7, 2023** 1-2 p.m. Virtual Statewide: Navigating Hiring Process for Individuals with a Criminal History by Workforce Solutions (Workshop) Are you an individual with a criminal history and not sure how to navigate the job search and hiring process due to your past offenses? Whether you were a juvenile or adult, felony or misdemeanor, state or federal offense, this workshop is for you. To Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/navigating-hiring-process-for-individuals-with-a-criminal-history-tickets-565432633227?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

**April 11th and 25th, 2023** 34 p.m. Virtual Statewide: Maine's Employment & Training Program Info Session by Eastern Maine Development Corporation (Workshop) Do you need help finding your next job or finding support for a training you are interested in? The WIOA Title 1B services may be the program for you! Join staff from Eastern Maine Development Corps for this session discussing the services, eligibility and how to get enrolled. To Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/maines-employment-training-program-info-session-tickets-565470957857?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

**HIRING EVENT**

https://www.mainecareercenter.com/employment/hiringevents/" target="_blank">Monthly hiring events

To explore additional opportunities and meet with employers, visit one of our upcoming hiring events:

- April 3, 2023 Hinckley Hiring Event: Androscoggin Home Healthcare & Hospice - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=10461034

- April 4, 2023 Lewiston Hiring Event: Fedcap and Lewiston CareerCenter - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=10555432

- April 5, 2023 Bangor Hiring Event: Androscoggin Home Healthcare & Hospice - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=10438383

- April 5, 2023 Portland Hiring Event: Portland CareerCenter 1st Wednesday Hiring Event - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=10600155

- April 10, 2023 Lewiston Hiring Event: Androscoggin Home Healthcare & Hospice - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=10521722

- April 12, 2023 Hinckley Hiring Event: The Somerset Career & Technical Center - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=10627488

- April 12, 2023 Augusta Hiring Event: UMA Hiring Event - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=10627500

- April 12, 2023 Augusta Hiring Event: Summer Career Fair For Teens or Graduating High School Students - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=10678837

- April 12, 2023 Presque Isle Hiring Event: AMHC - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=10678838

- April 14, 2023 Lewiston Hiring Event: Lisbon Career Expo - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=10555439

- April 19, 2023 Presque Isle Hiring Event: Northeast Paving - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=10678842

- April 26, 2023 Bangor Hiring Event: Penquis - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=10555442

- April 26, 2023 Brunswick Hiring Event: Southern Maine Community College - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=10651371

- April 26, 2023 Bangor Hiring Event: Spring Career Fair at Eastern Maine Community College - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=10690925

**EMPLOYERS**

Are you interested in exhibiting for no-cost at a CareerCenter job fair? Contact the Employer Services Representative at your local https://www.mainecareercenter.gov/locations/index.shtml" target="_blank">CareerCenter. Employers must have their jobs listed with the state's labor exchange system--https://joblink.maine.gov/" target="_blank">Maine JobLink

**Helping Business to Recruit and Train Employees**

https://www.mainecareercenter.gov/employers/index.shtml" target="_blank">Online resources

**CONTACT US**

Services are available virtually via the CareerCenter hotline:

- 207-623-7981 | 888-457-8883 - TTY users call Maine Relay 711 - LiveChat: https://www.mainecareercenter.gov/index.shtml - E-mail: [email protected]

If youd prefer to access services and information in-person at one of our CareerCenters, call the CareerCenter hotline to schedule an appointment or visit the https://www.mainecareercenter.gov/locations/" target="_blank">CareerCenter location website to see when staff are on-site near you. Each of the centers across the state provides public computers with internet access, Microsoft Office, resume/cover letter writing software, and https://www.onetonline.org/" target="_blank">O*Net software for personal skills assessment.

Employers can list their open positions on Maine JobLink and use our online system which matches jobs with candidates. All CareerCenter services are provided at no charge to employers and job seekers. Veterans and eligible spouses receive priority of service in all Department of Labor programs.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2022

Contact: Glenn Mills, 207-621-5192

**The Employment Situation in Maine - February 2023**

Nonfarm wage and salary jobs and the unemployment rate changed little for the third consecutive month in February, following small revisions of previous month estimates. Each measure remained near record levels.

This news release presents estimates derived from two monthly surveys. The Current Population Survey collects information from households on labor force status, including labor force participation, employment, and unemployment. The Current Employment Statistics survey collects information from nonfarm employers by industry on the number of jobs, hours worked, and wages paid to individuals on their payrolls. Both surveys are administered by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

**Statewide Seasonally Adjusted Labor Force Estimates**

The 2.8 percent unemployment rate changed little from 2.9 percent for January. The rate has been below four percent for 15 consecutive months, the fourth longest period on record. Labor force participation and employment to population ratios also were little changed in the month.

Three-month averages generally provide a better indication of workforce conditions as they smooth some of the variability in sample-based estimates and they reflect revisions for previous months. The 2.9 percent average unemployment rate for December to February was down slightly from 3.1 percent for the three months through November. In that period average labor force participation and employment rates were little changed.

The unemployment rate for Maine was below U.S. and New England 3.6 and 3.5 percent rates for February.

**Statewide Seasonally Adjusted Nonfarm Jobs Estimates**

Total nonfarm wage and salary jobs changed little in February. The 646,800 jobs were 100 higher than the January estimate, which was revised somewhat lower. The change in jobs was small in nearly all sectors. The most notable over the month change was a decrease of 400 jobs in leisure and hospitality, which now has the second most jobs in the last three years, following the January high.

In the three months through February the number of jobs increased an average of 1,400 per month over the three months through November. The three-month average was 1.5 percentage points higher than the average for calendar year 2019, before the pandemic. Private sector jobs were 1.9 percent higher and government jobs were 0.7 percent lower, mostly in public higher education.

**County and Metro Area Not Seasonally Adjusted Labor Force Estimates**

On a not seasonally-adjusted basis the statewide unemployment rate was 3.1 percent. Of the 16 counties, rates were at least 0.3 percentage points higher than that in nine counties, at least 0.3 points lower than that in three, and close to the average in four. The lowest unemployment rate was in Cumberland County and the highest was in Washington County.

Among the three metro areas of the state, unemployment was below the statewide average in Portland-S. Portland (2.3 percent) and close to the average in Bangor (2.7 percent) and Lewiston-Auburn (3.1 percent).

(For substate areas, labor force estimates, including unemployment rates, are not seasonally adjusted. Because of this, estimates for a certain month should be compared to the same month in other years and should not be compared to other months.)

**Statewide and Metro Area Not Seasonally Adjusted Hours and Earnings Estimates**

The private sector workweek averaged 33.5 hours and earnings averaged $29.84 per hour in February. Hourly earnings increased 3.3 percent from a year earlier, led by a 6.9 percent gain in manufacturing. The workweek was longest in manufacturing and shortest in leisure and hospitality. Earnings were highest in professional and business services and lowest in leisure and hospitality.

Hourly earnings were higher than the statewide average in the Portland-S. Portland metro and lower in Bangor and Lewiston-Auburn.

- This news release is available in a more accessible format - https://www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/news/release.html - March workforce estimates will be released Friday, April 21 at 10 a.m. The data release schedule - https://www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/releaseDates.html - Nonfarm jobs data is available - https://www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/ces.html - Unemployment and labor force data is available - https://www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/laus.html

**NOTES:**

1. Preliminary seasonally-adjusted labor force estimates, including rates (labor force participation, employment, and unemployment rates), and levels (labor force, employed, and unemployed), as well as nonfarm wage and salary job estimates are inexact. Annual revisions (published in March each year) add accuracy. A comparison of 2021 and 2022 revised and previously published estimates is available - https://www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/blogs/2023_workforce_data_revisions.pdf . 2. The 90 percent confidence interval for the statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for February was between 2.0 and 3.6 percent. 3. Nonfarm wage and salary jobs from the payroll survey provide a better indication of changes in employment than resident employment from the household survey. The payroll survey is larger and has smaller margins of error. 4. Nonfarm payroll jobs estimates tend to be variable from month to month because the representativeness of reporting employers can differ. Seasonal adjustment is imperfect because weather, the beginning and ending of school semesters, and other events do not always occur with the same timing relative to the pay period that includes the 12th day of the month, which is the survey reference period. This sometimes exacerbates monthly changes in jobs estimates. Users should look to the trend over multiple months rather than the change from one specific month to another. Jobs estimates for the period from April 2022 to September 2023 will be replaced with payroll data in March 2024. Those benchmark revisions usually show less monthly variability than preliminary estimates do.

For Immediate Release: March 14, 2023

**Governor Mills Proclaims March 14 National Equal Pay Day in Maine**

*According to the United States Census Bureau, the difference between median earnings for men and women in Maine who worked full-time, year-round in https://data.census.gov/table?q=s2001&g=0400000US23&tid=ACSST1Y2021.S2001&moe=false" target="_blank">2021 was $9,991.*

MAINE -Governor Janet Mills has https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/official_documents/proclamations/2023-03-national-equal-pay-day-march-14" target="_blank">proclaimed March 14, 2023 National Equal Pay Day in Maine, symbolizing how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/wb/data/earnings/earnings-ratio-wage-gap-race-ethnicity" target="_blank">Nationally, women age 15 and over who are working full-time, year-round are on average paid just 84 cents for every dollar paid to men. The wage gap is even more pronounced for women of color. https://data.census.gov/table?q=median+earnings+by+race&g=0100000US&tid=ACSST1Y2021.S2002&moe=false" target="_blank">Nationally in 2021, African American women made 63 cents on the dollar, and Hispanic or Latina women just 57 cents on the dollar compared to white, non-Hispanic men.

"On this Equal Pay Day, let us recommit to paying women fairly and equally based on their experience, their responsibilities, and their qualifications so that we can level the playing field for women across Maine and ensure that our state provides opportunity for all," said **Governor Janet Mills**. "Not only is it good public policy, but it's the right thing to do."

Requirements regarding equal pay have been a part of Maine law since 1949, but wage inequality persists. To promote pay equality, Governor Mills signed legislation in 2019 to discourage employers from basing wages on an employee's salary history.

"The difference between median earnings for men and women in Maine who worked full-time, year-round in 2021 was nearly $10,000. And while women in general have had to work until half-way through March to earn what men already earned in 2022, the reality is even starker for women of color," **said Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman**. "This Equal Pay Day, we are reminded that pay equity for all women is in the best interest of everyone, and so solutions must be a collaborative effort."

https://data.census.gov/table?q=median+earnings+by+race&tid=ACSST1Y2021.S2002" target="_blank">Nationally, as of 2021, the average differences in median earnings between white, non-Hispanic or Latino men and women of color are $28,797 for American Indian and Alaska Native women, $24,975 for Black or African American women, and $2,933 for Asian women.

According to the 2017-2021 https://data.census.gov/table?q=Table+S2412+&g=0400000US23&tid=ACSST5Y2021.S2412" target="_blank">American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, the five occupational groups in Maine with the largest wage gaps are legal occupations; firefighting and prevention; health diagnosing and treating practitioners; architecture and engineering occupations; and health technologists and technicians.

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5fe258011006361ee2898809/t/63ece2d8506ed15686878f5d/1676468953281/Economic%2BSecurity%2BOlder%2BWomen%2Bin%2BMaine%2BReport--FINAL%2B%282%29.pdf" target="_blank">"The data is clear that women are actually losing ground in salary equity, not gaining it. The gender pay gap in Maine has increased since 2018, with women making on average almost $10,000 less per year than men - and that disparity is even higher for women of color and trans women," **said Destie Hohman Sprague, Executive Director of the Maine Womens Lobby**. "Equal Pay Day is a chance to face this challenge head-on, and identify systemic solutions to achieve equity for all of us."

"Women workers are still underrepresented in high-paying jobs and are still often paid less for the same work. Sexist perceptions of womens ability to work in certain sectors and underlying biases that they dont need the money are unfortunately still common," **said Cynthia Phinney, President of the AFL-CIO**. "However, women in unions are much more likely to have wage parity with their male colleagues because their wages are transparent, and everybody is paid equally in a union contract. Thats one reason why it is critical to ensure all workers have the right to join unions free from threats, intimidation, or retaliation."

https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec628.html#:~:text=An%20employer%20may%20not%20discriminate,that%20have%20comparable%20requirements%20relating" target="_blank">Maine's Equal Pay Law requires that employees be paid the same wages as employees of the opposite sex for work that is of a comparable nature in skill, effort, and responsibility. MDOLs https://www.maine.gov/labor/bls/" target="_blank">Bureau of Labor Standards, who enforces the Equal Pay Law in Maine, has a https://www.maine.gov/labor/docs/2022/posters/equalpay_new.pdf" target="_blank">poster available for employers free of charge that outlines the basics of the law:

- An employer may not discriminate between employees in the same establishment on the basis of sex by paying wages to any employee at a rate less than the rate at which the employer pays any employee of the opposite sex for comparable work on jobs that have comparable requirements relating to skill, effort and responsibility.

- An employer may not prohibit employees from discussing their wages with coworkers.

Anyone who believes they are not being paid the same wages as an employee of the opposite sex for comparable work, should file an equal pay complaint. The Maine Department of Labor has a printable equal pay complaint form here: https://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_laws/publications/epcomplaintform.pdf

A mailed or emailed complaint form can be requested by contacting the Wage and Hour Division at 207-623-7900 or [email protected].

More information on equal pay can be found on the U.S. Dept. of Labors Womens Bureau website: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/wb/equal-pay-protections