Nearly 125,000 Mainers have now filed for unemployment benefits, roughly 18% of the state’s civilian labor force.
unemployment
Posted inBusiness, Nation & World, News
Poll finds 77% of laid-off workers believe they will return to their jobs
The Labor Department on Thursday reported that 3.2 million Americans filed unemployment claims last week.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine officials seek changes, next steps for emergency loan program
The Paycheck Protection Program loans have been a godsend for many small businesses, but some business owners say fundamental flaws in the program make them unusable for their situations.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine labor commissioner defends state’s response to crush of unemployment filings
Facing complaints about denied claims and a lack of answers, Laura Fortman says the jump in filings was ‘unprecedented’ and she is hiring nearly 140 more workers to handle it.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine unemployment claims system faces lawmakers’ scrutiny
A committee will question Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman on Wednesday about complaints that workers have been denied benefits and been unable to find out why.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Lawmakers to address ‘serious problems’ with Maine’s unemployment system
The Legislature’s Labor and Housing Committee has asked Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman to attend a hearing Wednesday to discuss ways to ease logjams and improve staffing.
Posted inOp-eds, Opinion
Bruce Poliquin: It’s time to start carefully reopening Maine
Get all hands on deck to process unemployment claims, open all of our state parks and let rural areas get back to normal life.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Another 7,400 Mainers filed unemployment claims last week
The number brings the total claims filed since mid-March to roughly 108,500.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Maine too slow on unemployment claims
On Friday, self-employed workers can apply for benefits. They should not have to wait to get them.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine to launch expansion of unemployment benefits Friday
The Department of Labor says self-employed workers, contractors and others who typically don’t qualify for the benefits can start applying at the end of the week.