Public Hearing Scheduled on Alleged Employer Violations of Maine Laws Regarding Employment of Foreign Logging Workers Bookmark and Share

December 8, 2010

THIS HEARING HAS BEEN POSTPONED

The Maine Department of Labor will hold two public hearings Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at Jackman Town Offices, 369 Main Street, Jackman, Maine concerning alleged violations to Maine employment laws governing the hiring of foreign logging workers under the H-2A temporary work visa program by:

Pepin Lumber, Inc.; and
Les Transports Regi, Inc.

The hearing for Pepin Lumber, Inc. will begin at 9:00 AM, and the hearing for Les Transports Regi, Inc. will start at 1:00 PM.

The employers allegedly did not provide timely notice to the Maine Department of Labor as required by MRSA Title 26 ? 872 of the employ of H-2A logging workers, known informally in the industry as ?bonds.?

If the hearing officer finds an employer to be in material violation of the law, they will be removed from the list of approved contractors maintained by the Maine Department of Labor. Landowners or firms that contract with logging contractors that are not on the approved contractor list could face fines of up to $50,000 pursuant to MRSA Title 26 ? 873.

Each employer will have opportunity to present evidence and argument at the hearing or in writing. Other interested parties may apply for intervener status in advance of the hearing at the address below:

Maine Department of Labor
Attn: Edmund McCann, Deputy Commissioner
54 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333

The deadline for receipt of written materials is 5:00 PM, Friday, December 17.

Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to people with disabilities. For more information about the hearing, or to request an accommodation, call (207) 621-5092 or TTY: 1-800-794-1110.