Maine Dept. of Labor and NFIB to hold joint consultation sessions on labor law guidance for small businesses

July 23, 2024

For Immediate Release: July 23, 2024

Maine Dept. of Labor and NFIB to hold joint consultation sessions on labor law guidance for small businesses

Sessions will give businesses a chance to give their thoughts on what guidance materials would be helpful

MAINE - The Maine Department of Labor and the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) - https://www.nfib.com/maine/ are partnering 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 Maines 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 Labors 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 sessions will involve asking for feedback on formats, such as FAQs, case studies, and examples, to learn what would be the most useful in the guidance.

"We want to make it as easy as possible for employers to understand their labor law obligations," said Jason Moyer-Lee, MDOL's Director of the Bureau of Labor Standards. "And the small employers we will be consulting those with no HR departments or legal counsel on retainer are in the best position to tell us how we can most effectively communicate with them."

This joint initiative with the NFIB is part of the Departments ongoing efforts in the area of "strategic enforcement," or using resources most effectively to achieve widespread and long-lasting compliance with labor laws. Other recent initiatives have included increasing fines, obtaining the power to order the payment of wages and liquidated damages, and monthly meetings with business and union representatives.

"This success of this project will help thousands of small business people get a better idea of key Maine labor laws and how to avoid compliance missteps," said David Clough, NFIB Maine State Director.

The Department is also excited to partner with the Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition for one of the sessions to specifically connect with business owners in the New Mainer community.

"I support this initiative as it will help educate immigrants, who are frequently confused about labor laws, especially regarding workers' rights," said Mufalo Chitam, Executive Director of the Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition.

The session information can be found below. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required: