Executive Director of the Maine AFL-CIO, Matt Schlobohm, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss recent legislature passed that will impact the future of work and union jobs in Maine. Schlobohm also talked about the desire to grow their pre-apprenticeship program that targets underrepresented residents.
Maine is the latest state to pass legislation for an offshore wind development program after Gov. Janet Mills approved the reworked bill. This new version of the legislation will require strong labor standards for the workers at the sites. These standards will increase the level of work and provide protection and quality wages for union and non-union members alike. With these new standards, Schlobohm believes it will allow unions to bolster their numbers as non-union workers get to experience union benefits on these projects.
Maine also has become the most recent state to ban captive audience meetings. Federal law allows and encourages workers to seek a union and organize. However, one of the best methods for employers to deter a union is captive audience meetings. With the new bill, workers no longer have to worry about retaliation by their employers for not attending these meetings.
Improving the pre-apprenticeship programs in Maine also is on the list of priorities for Schlobohm. The AFL-CIO’s registered pre-apprenticeship program connects women, people of color, immigrants and people transitioning from time in prison with good-paying union jobs. By connecting these men and women to the trades, they will be given an opportunity for a path to the middle class.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more.