Maine DOL News

Virtual Hiring Event - Maine CareerCenters

Maine Department of Labor announces a virtual hiring event on May 7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by Maine CareerCenters. Job seekers can chat with employers, submit applications and resumes online, and upload resumes for employer viewing. The event aims to connect job seekers with employment opportunities across Maine.

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.

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 Dept of Labor Offers Free April Safety Classes

The Maine Department of Labor is offering free safety training classes throughout April 2026. These classes cover topics such as fire code, mine safety, silica awareness, automotive lift safety, farm worker safety, safety training program improvement, and impairment detection for employers.

Maine Clean Energy Economy Report

A report from the Maine Department of Energy Resources indicates that Maine's clean energy sector is the fastest growing in New England, supporting over 16,000 jobs and contributing $3 billion to the state's economy in 2024. The sector grew three times faster than Maine's overall workforce.

Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Program Update

Maine's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program will begin providing benefits on May 1, 2026. Employers participating in the state plan must ensure employees receive written notice about the program within 30 days of hire and configure their notification settings in the Aflac Employer Portal.

Maine Department of Labor Hiring Events in York County

The Maine Department of Labor is announcing upcoming hiring events in York County for March and April 2026. Employers are invited to register for these events to connect with job seekers. Details and registration links for specific events are provided.

Maine Department of Labor: March Safety and Compliance Training

The Maine Department of Labor is offering several no-cost safety and compliance training classes in March 2026. Topics include mine safety, wage and hour laws, life safety code, ladder safety, and impairment detection for employers.

Maine Department of Labor Offers Free Wage & Hour Compliance Training

The Maine Department of Labor is offering free Wage & Hour Compliance training classes for employers, human resources professionals, and business owners. The classes cover various state labor laws and are scheduled throughout March and April 2026.