Maine Senate passes historic paid time off bill unanimously

A bill that would enshrine the right of Maine workers to take paid time off passed the Maine Senate on Tuesday following what was described as “historic and determined” persistence on the part of its advocates.

If the bill passes both chambers — with a vote expected in the House as early as Thursday — Maine would become the first state in the nation to guarantee part-time and full-time workers have the right to accrue paid time off to use however they need.

“LD 369 in its amended form is the truest form of compromise,” said bill sponsor Sen. Rebecca Millett (D-Cape Elizabeth). “By passing LD 369, we will ensure workers from across the state can earn time off from work to use when they need it the most — without the fear of losing a paycheck or jeopardizing their job.”

Maine workers would be able to accrue one hour of paid time off for every 40 hours they work, capped at 40 hours each year. Although businesses with 10 or fewer employees are exempted under the bill, 85 percent of Maine workers would be covered by the new protection.

Ahead of the vote, Sen. Shenna Bellows (D-Kennebec) praised the bill as the crowning achievement of Millett’s “historic and determined persistence” and spoke to the security the bill provides workers.

“I fully support the [bill] as a critical measure for the people of Maine to ensure that workers in the state will have access to paid time off they can use to address health needs and care for their families,” she said, adding that the bill guarantees that workers won’t be retaliated against for using the time they earn.

“This is a huge step forward for our state and I’m proud of the hundred of volunteers who gathered signatures and knocked on doors to bring us to this point,” said Mike Tipping, communications director for the Maine People’s Alliance, which advocated on behalf of the legislation (and of which Beacon is a project).

In a 5-4 vote Monday, the Portland City Council voted down a similar, more universal paid sick day ordinance. As passed by the Senate, LD 369 includes a provision preventing municipalities from passing similar ordinances. Rep. Mike Sylvester of Portland plans to introduce an amendment in the House striking that portion of the law.

(Top photo of Sen. Millett | Patricia McMurray)