This week, the Trump administration issued new guidance scaling back paid leave requirements put in place by the coronavirus aid package. The new guidelines make it so that companies that employ 75% of all American workers are now exempt from the new paid leave requirements. Many of the exemptions specifically target workers at small businesses, which in Maine is more than half of the workforce.
Last year, Senator Collins voted to confirm Eugene Scalia as the new Secretary of Labor despite opposition from labor leaders across Maine. Now, as Scalia’s Labor Department works to undermine protections for workers, Maine Democrats are calling on Senator Susan Collins to oppose the Trump administration’s new guidelines and fight for Maine workers.
“The Trump administration’s decision to gut the paid leave requirements from the coronavirus aid package is unconscionable,” said Maine Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Marra. “At a time when workers across Maine are struggling, it’s more important than ever that they be able to stay home when they have unexpected child care needs, when they are caring for a loved one who may be sick, and if they themselves have been exposed to COVID-19. It’s time for Senator Collins to stand up to Trump and fight for Maine workers.”
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