Wage and Hour Violations


Strategic Enforcement

The Wage & Hour Division prioritizes inspections and investigations where we can help the most workers. We do that through Strategic Enforcement to make sure workers are treated fairly.

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On July 1, 2025, we implemented a strategic enforcement framework that focuses on industries where violations happen more often and where workers are most vulnerable. Our strategic enforcement efforts include:

Focusing on High-Risk Jobs – We focus on industries that are more likely to have labor violations. We intentionally focus on these industries, so more workers are better protected. 

Preventing Problems Early – We teach employers and workers about labor standards, so fewer violations
happen in the first place. 

Using Data to Monitor Violations – We use data and research – complaint records, industry patterns, and employer information – to identify where workers may be at most risk. 

Holding Rule-Breakers Accountable – We hold employers who break the law accountable through penalties, legal action, and having violations made public. This also helps inform the public and prevent
other employers from breaking the rules.

Working Together – We partner with other agencies, workers groups, and industry leaders through outreach, education, and enforcement so that we all help ensure workers stay safe and are treated fairly. 

Read the 2025 Strategic Enforcement Report. (PDF)



This is a snapshot of the wage and hour divisions wage violations dashboard.
Data is for the last 12 months, last updated December 15, 2025.

 

Wage and Hour Violations

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The Wage and Hour Division enforces over 100 state employment laws, such as minimum wage, overtime, tips, child labor, recordkeeping, and more. Learn about all the labor standards and protections in Maine law at www.maine.gov/labor/labor_laws/wagehour.shtml .

Our first priority is making sure workers are paid the wages they are owed and made whole for any violations, so we try to resolve worker complaints and employer violations quickly and informally. In some cases, we can resolve the complaint and violations through a settlement agreement to resolve the worker complaints and prevent future violations.

If that is not possible, we issue findings and formal citations of violations. If an employer does not comply with a settlement agreement or pay the wages, damages and penalties assessed, we can pursue collections.

We share information on labor violations to hold employers accountable, inform the public, and prevent future violations. We can only publish final agency orders of citations, settlement agreements, administrative orders, and court judgments. We continue to pursue settlements and collections for cases cited years ago. Cases initially noted as unpaid are updated when we collect payment. You can search the list of published violations below: