SENATE ENACTS MEASURE TO PROTECT WORK-SHARING PROGRAM

Senator Patrick’s bill would protect workers’ access to work-sharing when faced with a layoff

AUGUSTA – Earlier today, the Senate unanimously approved a measure sponsored by Democratic Senator John Patrick to support a Maine program that prevents layoffs.

“When a company participates in the work-sharing program, for many workers, it can be the difference between putting food on the table or having to turn to the local food bank to feed their families,” said Senator Patrick of Rumford. “We need to make sure the hardworking people of Maine continue to have access to these critical programs.”

The work-sharing program enable companies to reduce employee hours to avoid layoffs. According to Susan Wasserott of the Maine Department of Labor, since the implementation of the program in 2013, 193 layoffs have been avoided, which has resulted in a savings of more $700,000 in short-term unemployment benefits.

Senator Patrick’s measure conforms Maine law to federal standards in order to maintain the work-sharing program.

“At a time when too many Mainers are still struggling to find work, we must do everything we can to help keep the jobs we already have,” added Senator Patrick.

Under Governor LePage’s watch, Maine now ranks 50th among states in private sector job growth since January 2011, according to the Maine Center for Economic Policy’s analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics’, Regional and State Employment and Unemployment Data.

The bill, LD 1701, “An Act To Amend the Work-sharing Program To Conform with Federal Law,” will be sent to Governor LePage.

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