Remote work made it possible for more people to live here. It has helped the state but is straining it, too.
labor shortage
As Trump ends DEI efforts, Maine conference helps businesses increase diversity hiring
Inclusion Maine conference draws employers who want to attract a more diverse workforce at a time when even holding the event runs counter to the Trump administration’s anti-DEI efforts.
Job openings in Maine are dropping, signaling return to ‘normalcy’
But experts say the trend could be short-lived.
How the pandemic reshaped Portland’s restaurant scene
Exactly five years ago, the onset of COVID in Maine, and its aftermath, caused a period of intense turnover in the restaurant industry. It continues today.
Stressed Starbucks baristas decry ‘skeleton’ crews in test for new CEO
Making early strides to address workers’ concerns will be crucial for Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol, who took over on Sept. 9.
Maine’s long-term care facilities struggle amid labor shortage
The shortage affects nursing home and assisted-living jobs of all kinds, from nurses and personal care assistants, to food service workers and maintenance staff.
Maine’s community colleges receive $75 million grant to expand short-term workforce training
The donation was made by the Harold Alfond Foundation to build on the success of existing programming that the organization believes can help ease Maine’s labor shortage.
Maine’s seasonal businesses say summer hiring looks sunnier this year
Finding people to take on summer jobs has been difficult in recent years. While some employers are still struggling, ‘it’s nowhere near where it was,’ a leader of the state’s hospitality industry said.
Maine’s unemployment rate hovers near record low
The 2023 rate of 2.9% doesn’t capture the whole picture, though, because many workers have left the workforce entirely in the last few years.
Seasonal worker visas expected to double, boosting Maine’s hospitality industry
U.S. Sens. Angus King and Susan Collins say they’ve worked with federal officials to secure over 64,000 additional H2-B visas to help businesses struggling with workforce shortages.