Chenette fights for fair treatment of workers

AUGUSTA – A bill to ensure that all employees get breaks at work received a public hearing before the Legislature’s Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee this week.

Rep. Justin Chenette, D-Saco, is championing a bill to ensure that all Maine employees get timely breaks at work. 

“This is a pro-business and pro-worker bill,” said Chenette. “The value of workers stems from their ability to produce and perform high quality work. I know I can’t perform at my best without sustenance and a quick break to recharge.”

Currently, businesses with fewer than three employees on duty at any one time are exempted from the requirement of providing employees with 30-minute breaks for every six hours worked.

“The workers we are talking about are real people,” said Chenette. “We can and should do better for the hard-working men and women of the state of Maine.”

The committee will hold a work session on the bill in coming weeks, at which point they will offer amendments and vote on a recommendation to the entire Legislature.  For more information on the bill go to: http://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/summary.asp?ID=280054851

Chenette, a member of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, is serving his second term in the Maine Legislature and represents part of Saco.

Maine Legislature
House Democratic Office
www.housedemocrats.maine.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2015
Contact: Ann Kim [Chenette], 287-1430

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