Yesterday, January 11, 2023, at 12:15 p.m., Governor Janet Mills declared a state of emergency in Cumberland County as a result of the severe storm earlier in the week. As Portland, Maine employers may recall, when the State issues a state of emergency, it triggers the emergency minimum wage provision in the Portland City Minimum Wage Ordinance.
Accordingly, as of 12:15 p.m. on January 11, 2023, all Portland employers, with employees within Portland City Limits, should be paying employees a minimum of $22.50 per hour (up $7.50 from the current base minimum wage of $15.00 per hour). For employers taking advantage of the tip credit, all employees in tipped positions must be paid a minimum of $11.25 per hour. The emergency minimum wage provision will stay in effect until the state of emergency is lifted.
If you have questions please contact Tawny Alvarez or another member of Verrill’s Employment & Labor Group.