Mainebiz Special Editions

W O R K F O R M E / S P R I N G 2 0 2 0 4 S p o n s o r L e t t e r Greetings, In normal times, I would high- light in this space the many pro- grams that the Maine Depart- ment of Labor has to offer both employers and employees, such as registered apprenticeship, safety and health training, labor market information, vocational rehabilitation, and CareerCenter services that include job fairs and resume workshops. While these services are all very important and most of them are still available online, many of you have likely been recently introduced, perhaps for the first time, to another one of the De- partment's essential programs: unemployment compensation. Unemployment compensation is a program into which employer's pay so that employees who lose their jobs through no fault of their own can receive partial wage replacement as they look for work or wait to return to their job. In recent weeks, the novel coronavirus and requirements to contain its spread have meant many businesses have temporar- ily closed and many workers have needed to file for unem- ployment benefits. We know how important unemployment compensation is. It can be a life- line for many individuals and their families and serves as an economic stabilizer for local communities. The Department will continue to do everything we can to ensure that all eligible Mainers receive the benefits they need, and that employers are supported as they navigate this unchartered territory. We are in unprecedented times which has created un- foreseen challenges for all of us. However, working together, I know that we will come back from this. As Gov. Janet Mills has said, "we will get through this as Mainers, looking each other and looking the world in the eye — together, no matter the distance between us now." Sincerely, — Laura Fortman Commissioner of the Maine Department of Labor Maine Department of Labor Employers are looking for talented people ready for the year-round quality of life Maine offers. From startups to multi-national corporations, there's a workplace for everyone – and from beach-side villages to metropolitan downtowns, there's a community for everyone, too. LiveWorkMaine.com Explore your career options: Laura Fortman We are in unprecedented times which has created unforeseen challenges for all of us. P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F M D O L

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