Labor & Employment

Maine Proclaims March 26 National Equal Pay Day

Governor Janet Mills has proclaimed March 26, 2026, as National Equal Pay Day in Maine. This proclamation highlights the persistent wage gap affecting women, particularly women of color, and reaffirms Maine's commitment to equal pay for equal work.

Unemployment Insurance Rule Update Public Hearings

The Maine Department of Labor is holding public hearings on April 13-14, 2026, to gather input on proposed amendments to the rules governing Unemployment Insurance's Able and Available requirement and Employee Leasing Companies. These changes are necessitated by recent legislation (PL 235). Public comments are being accepted until April 24 and April 25, 2026, respectively.

Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Applications Open March 30

The Maine Department of Labor announced that applications for the state's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program will open on March 30, 2026. Benefits, which provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave for medical, parental, family care, military family, and safe leave, will be available starting May 1, 2026. The program is funded by payroll contributions implemented in January 2025.

Improving Wage Protections for Foreign Nationals

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration has proposed revisions to regulations governing prevailing wages for foreign nationals seeking employment in the U.S. via PERM, H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 visas. The proposed rule aims to better align wage levels with U.S. worker wages and strengthen program integrity.

Oregon Training Institute Paid Weatherization Program Info Session

WorkSource Oregon is hosting an information session for the Oregon Training Institute's paid Energy Conservation and Weatherization Career Program. Job seekers in the Portland Metro area can learn about and apply for the program, which offers training and potential employment in the weatherization field, with starting wages of $18.20 per hour.

TUV SUD America Application for Yonezawa

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published an application from TUV SUD America regarding Yonezawa. This notice serves as an informational update on the application's status within the agency's regulatory process.

James R. Murphy Appointed NLRB Chairman

President Donald J. Trump has designated Board Member James R. Murphy as the new Chairman of the National Labor Relations Board, effective March 27, 2026. Chairman Murphy expressed his commitment to protecting and advancing the rights of American workers.

Montana Workforce Development Strategy Public Comment

The Montana State Workforce Innovation Board is seeking public comment on a revised state plan to align education and workforce systems under the 406 JOBS initiative. This plan integrates WIOA and Perkins Career and Technical Education Act programs to better meet employer and worker needs.

NY State Labor Marks Equal Pay Day, Announces Smallest Gender Wage Gap

The New York State Department of Labor announced that New York has the smallest gender wage gap in the nation, with women earning 91.4 cents for every dollar earned by men in 2024. This represents significant progress from the previous year, driven by stronger earnings growth for women. The report also highlights persistent disparities for women of color.

26th Annual Dr. King Career Fair Announced

The New York State Department of Labor announced the 26th annual Dr. King Career Fair, scheduled for April 2, 2026. The event will feature over 150 businesses offering nearly 4,000 job opportunities and will include services such as resume review and career exploration.