This afternoon, Governor Mills declared a state of emergency for Maine’s coastal counties in response to this week’s storm, which caused widespread power outages and coastal flooding. As a result, until the governor lifts the state of emergency, the minimum wage in the city of Portland is $22.50 per hour. This “hazard minimum wage” applies to virtually every employee performing work in Portland, except employees who are working from home. Employers with employees working in the city should adjust wages immediately to comply with the hazard pay ordinance, as failure to comply could trigger wage payment claims, liquidated damages, and fines.
For questions, please contact employment law partner Katy Rand.