Maine Department of Labor press releases and news and event items. http://www.maine.gov/labor en-us Copyright 2009 All rights reserved. info@informe.org InforME.org RSS Generator http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=84930&v=Article The Maine Department of Labor is seeking public comment on proposed rules regarding proof of ownership of logging equipment operated by foreign workers.<br /><br />The proposal provides standards and reporting methodology for employers to demonstrate compliance with ownership requirements under <a href="<a href="<a href="http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/">http://www.mainelegislatu... http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=84930&v=Article Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:57:13 EST http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=84769&v=Article State and Federal investigations into employment practices relating to foreign workers in the logging industry have led to legal action against logging firms operating in the Maine woods. <br /><br />Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman said that the Maine Department of Labor was notified that the U.S. Department of Labor has debarred Jackman-based E.J. Carrier and Pelletier and Pelletier of... http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=84769&v=Article Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:38:36 EST http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=84767&v=Article New research from the Maine Department of Labor Center for Workforce Research and Information quantifies the recent economic impact of the Unemployment Insurance program. During a 12-month period running from March 2008 to March 2009, Unemployment Insurance provided $235 million in direct aid to laid-off workers impacted by the recession and helped the greater economy by supporting 3,200 jobs,... http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=84767&v=Article Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:24:51 EST http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=84518&v=Article Thousands of laid-off Maine workers may benefit from extra weeks of unemployment benefits under a measure signed last week by President Obama. <br /><br />The bill guarantees up to 14 weeks of additional benefits for workers in all states, with an additional six weeks available in high unemployment states if Congress acts to extend the program overall in 2010. <br /><br />To qualify for the e... http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=84518&v=Article Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:18:58 EST http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=84393&v=Article <h2>Seasonally-Adjusted Statewide Data</h2> State Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced the preliminary unemployment rate for Maine was 8.2 percent in October, down slightly from a revised rate of 8.5 percent in September and up from 5.7 percent in October 2008. The number of unemployed totaled 57,200, up 16,700 from a year ago. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 10.2 percent, up from ... http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=84393&v=Article Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:54:28 EST http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=83455&v=Article As part of an increased concern for under recording and under reporting of workplace injuries and illnesses, the US OSHA has announced a yearlong program of enhanced scrutiny of OSHA 300 logs and record keeping practices by employers in high hazard industries. To help Maine employers maintain accurate records, SafetyWorks!, MDOL’s training and consultation program, offers Recordkeeping trainin... http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=83455&v=Article Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:44:58 EDT http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=83454&v=Article MDOL recently submitted an application to USDOL for the “Healthcare Sector and High Growth/ Emerging Sectors” grant. The focus of the grant is to provide career pathways for CNA, healthcare technicians, associate degree nurses and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) occupations. The application involves a multi- partner approach including all four of Maine’s Workforce Investment Boards, MDOL, ... http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=83454&v=Article Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:42:45 EDT http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=83453&v=Article Currently the Maine Job Bank has 973 open job orders for a total of 4460 total open positions! The MDOL is providing more outreach to employers to take advantage of an efficient and no cost way to post new jobs to find qualified workers. On Wednesday the MDOL Maine Job Bank sent a mailing to over 33,000 employers in our data base. We continue to attend and recruit at Trade Fairs and other organ... http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=83453&v=Article Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:41:59 EDT http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=82964&v=Article On Wednesday, Maine’s North Star Alliance Initiative (NSAI) convened their final symposium in Hallowell. NSAI was created from a $14.4 million US DOL WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) grant received in 2006. Maine targeted the industries of boatbuilding, composites and marine trades and facilitated a partnership between state and local government and representatives ... http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=82964&v=Article Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:12:20 EDT http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=82963&v=Article On Tuesday, the U.S. Labor Department awarded a National Emergency Grant to the Maine Department of Labor in the amount of $553,257 to assist 100 workers affected by the layoffs at WestPoint Home in Biddeford. Layoffs at WestPoint Home in Biddeford occurred on August 9, 2009. The grant will be operated by Coastal Counties Workforce Inc. and will provide these dislocated workers, all of whom are... http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=82963&v=Article Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:11:43 EDT http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=82962&v=Article Maine’s ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) funded Re-Employment Program launched this week offering workshops to unemployment claimants. The workshops are designed to assist claimants in becoming re-employed by focusing on where to look for work, self presentation, developing resume and cover letter skills and formulating and executing a job search plan. The workshops are delivered a... http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=82962&v=Article Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:11:03 EDT http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=82961&v=Article October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence recognized Commissioners’ Fortman (Department of Labor), Jordan (Department of Public Safety) and Harvey (Department of Health and Human Services) for the commitment of their departments to end Domestic Violence in Maine. All three Commissioner’s highlighted the commitment of staff to recognize the import... http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=82961&v=Article Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:10:06 EDT http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=82960&v=Article Commissioner Fortman was named Treasurer of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies at their convening meeting in New York last week. NASWA is integral in states’ efforts to reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), a workforce system aiming to meet the needs of workers and employers in the changing economy. http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=82960&v=Article Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:09:22 EDT http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=82959&v=Article On Tuesday, the U.S. Labor Department awarded two National Emergency Grants to the Maine Department of Labor, one in the amount of $430,417 to provide services at two locations of the Standard Insurance Co. in Portland and South Portland and another of up to $2,066,981 with $851,120 released initially for RR Donnelley in Wells. These funds will assist approximately 65 workers affected by the Ma... http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=82959&v=Article Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:07:32 EDT http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=82958&v=Article October is celebrated across the country as National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Governor Baldacci has issued a proclamation to recognize Maine’s commitment to increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities. On Tuesday Commissioner Fortman presented the proclamation to a joint meeting of the State Rehab Councils, the State Independent Living Council and the Commi... http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Labor+Press+Releases&id=82958&v=Article Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:07:41 EDT