MSEA to sue state, alleging age discrimination
The largest union representing state workers is suing the state over elimination of employees' longevity pay.
The Maine State Employees Association held a press conference this morning to discuss details of its lawsuit against the state, which is challenging legislation passed earlier this year that takes away longevity pay, according to a press release from the union. State employees have typically been entitled to longevity pay after 15 years of service and then at five-year intervals after that until 25 years. But the legislation, part of the state's efforts to balance its budget, rescinds that pay, freezes increases for future longevity pay and denies the pay to new employees who would become eligible. Employees already receiving it will lose between $1,000-$2,000 a year, according to the release.
Four state workers have filed complaints with the Maine Human Rights Commission, alleging the legislation violated the state constitution and is the equivalent of age discrimination, according to the Kennebec Journal. The lawyer representing the four workers said he has not decided to file the lawsuit in state or federal court, according to MPBN.
Senate President Elizabeth Mitchell (D-Vassalboro) told the Journal she plans to ask permission from other legislative leaders to submit a bill that would reinstate longevity pay, a cost that would amount to as much as $4 million.
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