Sen. Miramant bill would protect worker wages and benefits

AUGUSTA — A bill by Sen. Dave Miramant, D-Camden, would guarantee workers are paid out for earned wages and benefits when their employment ends.

The bill — LD 86, “An Act to Protect Worker Wages and Benefits” — received a public hearing before the Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee on Wednesday.

Current Maine law provides that a worker’s unpaid wages or unused vacation time must be paid out only if the employee requests them when employment ends. They must make this request in person at the place of employment here they are no longer employed. If the employer doesn’t comply, the employee may ​involve the Maine or Federal Department of Labor or ​bring a civil action to recoup lost wages and benefits.

Miramant’s bill would require that employers pay out any wages or benefits owed to the employee automatically, removing the need for an employee request or potential legal action.

“Working people deserve the pay and benefits owed to them, and they should get them without having to clear bureaucratic hurdles they may not even know about,” said Sen. Miramant. “Employees may not know they are entitled to earned benefits and wages. This law would guarantee all workers are given their due, even if they aren’t experts in Maine labor law.”

Miramant said that he submitted the bill after a constituent brought the problem to his attention.

“Any person faced with sudden job loss would want to receive their earned wages and pay,” said Adam Goode, Legislative and Political Director for the Maine AFL-CIO. “People who go to work every day in order to sustain their family and make ends meet should not have unnecessary hoops to jump through when faced with navigating the difficulties of job loss.”

In addition to receiving the support of the AFL-CIO, the Maine Education Association (MEA) President Lois Kilby-Chesley sent written testimony advocating for the passage of the measure.

“The Maine Education Association believes strongly that employees who leave employment must be paid within a reasonable time after completing work,” said Kilby-Chesley. “All wages earned, including earned and unused vacation time, should be paid on the regularly scheduled payday or not more than 2 weeks after leaving, whichever is sooner.”

​The Maine Department of Labor testified that it has also been reviewing the issue and found the current law to be in violation of Federal law. The department said it looked forward to working with Sen. Miramant and the committee to protect Maine workers.

LD 86 faces further action in the Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee and votes in the House and Senate.

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