AUGUSTA - Rep. Amy Roeder, D-Bangor, has proposed legislation to protect Maine employees that request flexible work schedules from retaliation by their employers. There are currently no existing provisions in state law offering this protection.
"This bill came to fruition after I learned that a constituent of mine faced retaliation for requesting a flexible work schedule that resulted in him leaving his job of 15 years," said Roeder. "While employers do not have to agree to a flexible work schedule request, they should not be allowed to discipline those who are just trying to balance work alongside their many responsibilities, including finding child care and caring for themselves or a loved one who is ill."
Under LD 827, an employee of a public or private employer would be able to request a flexible work schedule for up to six months at a time and would ensure that the schedule continues in six-month increments, unless the employer provides written notice to the employee stating otherwise.
The Legislature's Labor and Housing Committee will hold a public hearing on the bill in the coming weeks.
Roeder is serving her second term in the Maine House of Representatives and is House chair of the Labor and Housing Committee. She represents House District 23, which includes a portion of Bangor.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Roeder], 305-965-2744