A layoff of 219 that occurred in March – but was made public Thursday – brings the number of jobs Abbott has cut in Maine to more than 1,000 over the past 2 years.
Kay Neufeld
Staff Writer
Kay Neufeld is a business reporter with the Portland Press Herald, covering labor, unions and Maine's workforce; lobstering, fisheries and the working waterfront. They also love telling stories that illustrate the vibrant culture that makes Maine and its Mainers so special. They previously worked at the Camden Herald, Franklin Journal and the Bangor Daily News, covering local communities. Kay grew up in New York and graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute in 2018. They spontaneously moved to Maine in 2020 after visiting on vacation, searching for housing on Craigslist in the middle of their trip and asking their mother to ship their belongings to the Midcoast. In their spare time, Kay loves taking their miniature dachshund on miniature hikes, passionately defending Beyoncé's artistry and playing the fiddle with friends.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Dollar General owes $320,000 for repeat safety violations at Penobscot County store
Federal investigators found the store in Enfield broke five safety standards, creating tripping hazards and greater risks of employee injury in the event of a fire.
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Abbott Labs lays off another 199 workers at Westbrook COVID-test plant
The company, one of the largest makers of screening tests for the disease, has been scaling back as demand for the products has dwindled, laying off more than 800 people over the last 2 years.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
UMaine System grad students say they’re underpaid, look to unionize
Organizers of the University of Maine Graduate Workers Union want to remedy what they say are poor pay and benefits, and say their peers at similar schools are compensated more fairly.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Portland moves up in top 10 ‘Best Places to Live’
U.S. News & World Report said the city’s national ranking reflects its charm, ‘do it yourself spirit,’ access to recreation and a variety of living settings.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Stonewall Kitchen makes leadership change
Carrie McDermott has become CEO of the York-based specialty foods retailer following tenures at several large retailers. She succeeds John Stiker, who is retiring.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Kelp dryer could allow Maine seaweed farms to triple output
The machine, developed by Ocean’s Balance, is intended to solve the exacting challenges seaweed farmers face when trying to preserve their harvest.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Activists rally in Monument Square to demand a ban on assault rifles
More than 80 people at the demonstration, organized by the Maine chapter of Moms Demand Action, call for legislative action to institute gun-control measures.
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Maine’s wild blueberry crop fell 26% in size, 30% in value last year
The state’s 2022 crop was valued at $55.5 million, a decrease from $80.3 million in 2021. Experts say the fluctuations are increasing and a result of climate change.
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Maine lobstermen facing another rule that may affect their catch
A new rule could limit the minimum size of lobsters that can be legally harvested. Fishermen say the specifics would mean crossing 1-pound lobsters off the menu.