Portland voters to revise hazard pay rules at polling places

PORTLAND (WGME) — Portland voters will reconsider the city’s hazard pay rules at the ballot box on Election Day. Voters could decide to change the conditions under which Portland workers receive wage increases during a state of emergency.

Question A asks Portland residents to consider amending the city’s emergency wage ordinance, originally passed in 2020. Currently, when a state or region declares a state of emergency, the city’s minimum wage increases by 50%. Right now, that’s an increase from $15 to $22.50.

If Question A passes, the increase would only go into effect if the city itself declared a state of emergency.

Proponents of the change, including Portland Mayor Mark Dion, argue that the decision should be made at the local level, allowing the city to maintain control over the minimum wage. Some residents, such as Joseph Chavez, support this view, arguing that wage increases should be based on real local needs.

“It makes more sense for it to be regional and reach those who mostly need it,” Chavez said.

However, many labor rights advocates, including the Maine Democratic Socialists, oppose the amendment. They argue that cutting workers’ pay could have serious consequences for families.

Former Mayor Ethan Strimling opposed Question A, calling it an attempt to undermine hazard pay.

“At the end of the day, Portland workers deserve to make more money every day of the week, and they certainly don’t deserve to have their pay cut in the middle of a public health crisis or during a weather event,” Strimling said.

On the business side, large companies such as MaineHealth have donated thousands of dollars in support of the law change. We reached out to a dozen small businesses in Portland to get their thoughts, but none provided comment.