Labor

Ferry cancellations are disrupting life on Maine’s unbridged islands. Challenges to hiring and retaining crew include rates of pay and meeting licensing requirements. But DOT said it's addressing the situation.

The Maine Service Employees Association has asked the Maine Labor Relations Board to order the state to complete the study, as required by state law and collective-bargaining agreements.

The Maine Service Employees Association, Local 1989 of the Service Employees International Union, reached a contract agreement with the state employees union to provide workers with a 9% pay increase next year and other benefits. 

The National Labor Relations Board issued a complaint Wednesday against Starbucks, claiming the coffee chain illegally closed nearly two dozen stores across the country, including one in Portland.

Employees who want to "come home to our families in one piece every night” said they’re better able to improve workplace safety than company executives who work remotely.

"We have always said a great cup of coffee changes lives, and viewed our coffee, and our business, as a catalyst for positive change and solidarity,” said Coffee By Design’s owner.

Organizers say 89% of the coffeehouse retail employees have signed union cards, while Coffee By Design's owner said the company will work with its staff to determine next steps.

Through These Doors, a domestic violence resource center, has unionized after a nine-month organizing campaign. Workers supporting the union say it will ultimately help improve services for domestic violence survivors.

The union will represent the 1,000 grad-student workers across the University of Maine System, who make up a large percentage of the overall teaching and research workforce.

Antonia's Pizzeria bilked dozens of workers out of wages, tried to cover up its actions and illegally employed minors, according to federal investigators.