Bill > LD589

This bill establishes a new subchapter in Maine state law specifically addressing minimum wage requirements for agricultural workers, providing comprehensive definitions and protections. Beginning January 1, 2026, agricultural workers must be paid a minimum hourly wage of $14.65, with annual increases tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for the Northeast Region, rounded to the nearest 5 cents. The bill defines key terms like "employ", "employee", and "employer", and includes provisions requiring employers to maintain accurate records of hours worked and wages paid for at least three years. Employers must provide employees with detailed wage statements, and are liable for unpaid wages plus liquidated damages if found in violation. The bill also protects workers from discrimination for reporting wage violations, with potential fines between $50 and $200 for employers who violate the provisions. Importantly, the law excludes family members of the employer who reside with and are dependent on the employer, and it does not allow employers to circumvent these requirements through special contracts. The Department of Labor has exclusive authority to bring wage recovery actions, and the Attorney General can seek injunctions against ongoing violations.

Labor and Employment

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=589&snum=132