AUGUSTA - Rep. Mike Sylvester, D-Portland, House chair of the Legislature's Labor and Housing Committee, issued the following statement in response to several Portland Pie Co. employee's decision to walk out of work Sunday in protest against the company's handling of COVID-19 cases in the restaurant.
"I've talked to thousands of employers as chair of the Legislature's Labor and Housing Committee and as an employer myself, I think that folks in our position believe that we are making decisions on behalf of our employee's best interests," said Sylvester. "Yet, when those employees speak up, employers must listen. Throughout the pandemic, workers in Maine's hospitality industry have faced incredibly stressful circumstances and frequently unsafe work conditions, resulting in frustration, burnout and even severe illness. Employers should take every precaution to create a safe work space, and if they choose not to, then employees have every right to make their voices heard publicly."
Portland Pie Co. employees reportedly issued complaints to the company months prior regarding concerns about insufficient COVID-19 precautions and contact tracing measures.
Sylvester is serving his third term in the Maine House and represents part of Portland. He serves as House chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Labor and Housing.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Sylvester], c. 812-1111