On January 11, 2024, 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. The state of emergency will expire January 18, 2024, at 12:15.
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, between 12:15 p.m. on January 11, 2024, and 12:15 p.m. on January 18, 2024, all Portland employers, with employees within Portland City Limits should have paid 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 should be paid during this period a minimum of $11.25 per hour.
If you have questions please contact Tawny Alvarez or another member of Verrill’s Employment and Labor Practice Group.