In Maine, there are particular issues that must be addressed in a sexual harassment policy. The requirements are spelled out in the law (26 MRS § 807): the illegality of sexual harassment; the definition of sexual harassment under state law; a description of sexual harassment, utilizing examples; the internal complaint process available to the employee;Read More
Resources
New Maine Requirements on Harassment: Get Your Train Game On
In 2017, the Maine Legislature amended the law requiring harassment training, adding in record-keeping requirements and penalties, updating the poster needed, and tying a compliance checklist to the program that employers must develop. There are now penalties for failure to put up the poster as well as a failure to provide the required training. Fortunately,Read More
Rebecca Webber part of panel on Maine Public Radio
Maine Public Radio Maine Calling SEXUAL HARASSMENT December 6, 2017 – 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. Rebecca Webber was part of the panel that addressed sexual harassment issues on Maine Public Radio. Click the link to listen: http://mainepublic.org/post/sexual-harassment#stream/0
Form Over Matter Matters and Other ICE Details
As of September 18, 2017, employers needed to start using the latest version of the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. Employers can visit https://www.uscis.gov/i-9 to get the most updated information on the new I-9. One reason the forms change and get new dates is so that Immigration Services can check dates the forms are filled out against the datesRead More
The Importance of a Healthcare Power of Attorney
Every person over the age of eighteen should have a healthcare power of attorney. A “healthcare” or “medical” power of attorney allows you to choose another individual, your “agent”, to make medical decisions for you. Your physician will always ask you, as the patient, for your decision about any medical procedure so long as youRead More
Protecting Those Who Serve: Don’t Forget About Military Leave for Servicmembers and Their Families
There are various leaves that members of the military and their families are entitled to under both state and federal law. Maine law differs in a few ways from federal requirements, so it’s important to be up on the distinctions and all the laws at play. Here’s a helpful guide to protecting those who serveRead More
Make Sure Your Company Summer Outing Isn’t a Bar-B-Que Recipe for Disaster…
As summer heats up and employees attempt to cool down and blow off steam at company-sponsored summer outings, businesses should be wary that what happens at the summer outing doesn’t necessarily stay at the summer outing. Remember, company summer outings are still fair-game for sexual harassment issues and other employee grievances to develop. According toRead More
Non-solicitation Agreements
Can they do that? I have an employee who I have spent years showing our techniques and now . . .he’s left and started his own business and is contacting my company’s clients! Can he do that? The answer is: it depends. It depends on what agreements you have had the employee sign. If theyRead More
Medical Information: Ask for Only the Information You Need
The Maine Human Rights Act, as well as the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, limit the medical information that an employer may request or seek from employees. As the Maine Human Rights Act puts it: “A covered entity may not require a medical examination and may not make inquiries of an employee as to whetherRead More
When “Just to Be Sure” Can Violate the ADA…
written by Rebecca S. Webber and Jordan Payne Hay With the Central Maine Human Resources Association program on June 20 on the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) in mind, we want to get everyone warmed up and primed on the topic. If you are not already a member of CMHRA, come as our guest – your firstRead More