Posts Categorized: News

Upcoming Labor Law Changes in 2023

Posted & filed under News.

In preparation for the new year, the Maine Department of Labor is reminding employers of upcoming labor law changes, such as updates to minimum wage and vacation payout.

Maine’s Minimum Wage to Increase to $13.80 Per Hour in 2023

Pursuant to Maine law (Maine statute Title 26, chapter 7, section 664), effective January 1, 2023, the state minimum wage will increase from $12.75 to $13.80 per hour, based on data recently made available by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. Maine law, amended by citizen’s referendum in 2016, requires annual adjustments to the minimum wage based on the cost-of-living index (CPI-W) for the Northeast Region.

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Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association Recognizes Belinda & Chuck Lawrence of Tradewinds Grocery Stores as the 2021 Impact Award Recipients

Posted & filed under Announcements, News.

WATCH THE AWARD VIDEO

AUGUSTA, MAINE – December 15, 2021 – The Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association (MGFPA) is proud to announce Tradewinds Market Place in Blue Hill and Tradewinds Shop ‘N Save in Calais owned by Chuck and Belinda Lawrence as the winners of the MGFPA 2021 Impact Award. Formerly titled the Grocer, Associate, and Food Producer of the Year Awards, this prestigious award is presented annually to a business who exemplifies excellence in the industry. Now exclusively awarded to one winner each year, the winner is chosen by meeting specific criteria including contributions to MFGPA’s advocacy mission, community service, business excellence through providing a positive workplace, increase in overall sales, and supporting the industry via legislative or educational activities. In addition, the annual award winner demonstrates a commitment to cultivating opportunities for other Maine businesses to grow.

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MGFPA Urges a No Vote on Question 3

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A statement from the Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association opposing Question 3 Constitutional Amendment:

It is imperative to maintain the health and viability of Maine’s food industry by preserving the trust of the consuming public. The Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association Board of Directors opposes Question 3 and instead supports public policy that is well-vetted, purposeful and without unknown, future legal implications.

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REMINDER: Maine’s Plastic Bag Ban & Polystyrene Ban – Effective July 1st, 2021

Posted & filed under Announcements, News.

REMINDER: The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is reminding retail stores, restaurants, and shoppers that the statewide ban on single-use plastic carry-out bags will go into effect on July 1, 2021.

Implementation of a state law that prohibits restaurants, stores, and a wide variety of other eating establishments from using polystyrene foam disposable food containers will take effect on July 1, 2021.

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