The state received about 2,700 new or reopened claims for unemployment benefits last week, down slightly from 2,800 the week before.
workforce
Maine jobless claims trend downward but remain above normal
Claims for new unemployment benefits dropped slightly in the state last week, with about 3,200 Mainers filing new applications.
Union membership in Maine grew by about 19 percent in 2020
The state’s labor unions added about 13,000 members and now have about 82,000 overall, which is about 15 percent of the state’s workforce.
Maine’s jobless rate holds steady at 5% in December
Still, labor economists say many unemployed residents are being misclassified, and that the state’s true jobless rate is likely above 10%.
Jobless claims remain high in Maine amid unrelenting pandemic
About 3,800 Maine residents filed a new unemployment insurance claim last week, and over 49,000 continuing claims were filed.
Back-to-office plans vary widely among Portland-area employers
A survey of more than 160 companies in Greater Portland showed that a majority of firms don’t know when their workers will return to the office.
Working remotely? Don’t plan on deducting added expenses
The best strategy for those working from home is to try to recoup added expenses from your employer, says one local tax expert.
Maine blazes workplace trail with earned paid leave requirement
A new law that took effect this year covers an estimated 85 percent of the workforce and allows workers to earn up to five days of paid time off each year.
Another 3,300 Mainers apply for unemployment aid
The Maine Department of Labor says payments may be delayed but there will be no break in benefits under extended federal programs.
With pandemic aid set to expire, new unemployment claims hit 5-month high in Maine
Claims for state benefits totaled about 3,000 for the second consecutive week, which officials say is the result of seasonal layoffs.