Mainebiz

April 5, 2021

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V O L . X X V I I N O. V I I A P R I L 5 , 2 0 2 1 8 B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S N E W S F RO M A RO U N D T H E S TAT E Solution Focused. Client Focused. Value Focused. Complex problems require smart solutions. At Jensen Baird, our goal is to offer legal guidance that helps clients with the problems they face today and avoid the problems they may face tomorrow. This is how we build partnerships that endure. 207.775.7271 • 800.756.1166 jensenbaird.com Portland / Kennebunk www.GawronTurgeon.com Mechanics Savings Bank: Windham B R I E F Bangor Savings offers $500 incentive to employees to get vaccinated B y W i l l i a m H a l l B a n g o r — While 400,000 Mainers have already chosen to get at least a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, Bangor Savings Bank is giving its employees an incentive to: $500. Bangor Savings, the largest Maine-based bank by assets, will pay that sum to each worker who receives a full vaccination. "Having as many of our 1,100-plus employees get vaccinated will help us achieve herd immunity," Bangor Savings Senior Vice President Isla Dickerson told Mainebiz. "The three vaccines currently being offered provide an effective defense against COVID-19, and supporting our employees in becoming vaccinated will help keep each other, our customers, and our communities safe." Few Maine companies appear to be paying workers to get the potentially lifesav- ing medications. But other large Maine employers are offering incentives, and the use of such perks in general has provoked concerns among businesses nationwide. Earlier this month, the University of Maine began offering employees two hours of paid administrative leave time in order to get the COVID-19 vaccination. Major companies with a presence in Maine, including Dollar General, McDonald's, Target and Trader Joe's, also offer paid time off to employees who roll up their sleeves. Instacar t, the San Francisco grocery deliv- ery service that's become popular in Maine and nationwide during the pandemic, offers its gig workers a $25 "vaccine support stipend." Rewards like these have been typically wel- comed by employees and the public. But some employer s wor r y the incentives could create legal liabilities. D o z e n s o f b u s i - ness groups last month penned a letter to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, asking whether the rewards run the risk of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act or other laws. "Employer-provided incentives can assist governments in quickly and efficiently distributing vaccines. Legal uncertainty about providing such incentives, however, has many employers concerned over liability and has made them hesitant to act," read the letter. It was signed by 42 national groups including the Associated General Contractors, National Association of Manufacturers, National Retail Federation, Society for Human Resource Management and U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The groups also said that current federal policies on wellness incentives may not be applicable to the vaccines, and require separate guidance. "We recognize that wellness incentives have been closely scrutinized over the years and are the subject of recent regulations. We believe, however, that the para- mount needs of the current crisis can be distinguished from wellness programs." Dickerson, however, said the COVID cash is similar to other measures employ- ers take to promote employee health. "Incentivizing employees to get a vaccine is just like incentivizing flu shots, taking part in health/risk assessments, or using a Fitbit," she said. "This is no different. But given how deadly COVID-19 has been, the stakes are much higher." P H O T O / P E T E R VA N A L L E N Bangor Savings Bank headquarters along the Bangor waterfront

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