Bill > LD588

This bill enacts the Agricultural Employees Concerted Activity Protection Act, which establishes legal protections and rights for agricultural workers in Maine. The legislation defines key terms like "agricultural employee" (including workers in farming, processing, and distribution of agricultural products) and "agricultural employer," and explicitly provides agricultural employees with the right to engage in concerted activities such as conferring about wages, working conditions, and employment terms. The bill prohibits agricultural employers from interfering with, retaliating against, or discriminating against employees who participate in these protected activities. It creates a formal process through the Maine Labor Relations Board for handling complaints, allowing agricultural employees or employers to file complaints about prohibited acts within six months of occurrence. The board has the power to investigate complaints, hold hearings, issue cease and desist orders, and provide remedies like reinstatement or back pay when violations are found. The law also establishes that agricultural employees cannot be compelled to engage in concerted activities and sets guidelines for how disputes will be processed, with provisions for judicial review and consultation with federal labor law precedents. The underlying purpose of the bill is to improve labor relations in agriculture, promote cooperation between employers and employees, and limit industrial strife in the agricultural sector.

Labor and Employment

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=588&snum=132