UMaine Bureau of Labor Education Updates Employment Law Guide
Contact: Bill Murphy, 581-4124; George Manlove, 581-3756
ORONO — The University of Maine’s Bureau of Labor Education has recently completed a revised update of A Maine Guide to Employment Law.
Employment law encompasses a myriad of statutes that deal with work and employee-employer relations. Over time, these laws evolve through political, administrative and judicial processes at state and federal levels. As a result, many employees and employers often are unaware of their rights and responsibilities, according to Bureau of Labor Education Director Bill Murphy.
The new Guide addresses a number of employment laws in a question-and-answer format, and includes a comprehensive index.
“Our continuing objective is to provide important information on employee rights, protections and responsibilities under a number of federal and state statutes, in easy-to-understand language,” says Murphy.
The Guide covers state and federal laws as they apply to employment discrimination, occupational health and safety, work-related injuries and diseases, unemployment compensation, organizing and collective bargaining in the public and private sectors, among other issues.
The Guide is an evolution of previous editions, representing the collective efforts and contributions of many of the bureau’s past and present staff members, including project staff Gabrielle Berube and attorney James Davitt, who “worked diligently” conducting the research, compilation and writing for the updated edition, says Murphy.
To insure legal accuracy and clarity, the publication has been reviewed by employment law authorities, including attorneys specializing in employment law and government officials responsible for enforcing the statutes. Murphy emphasizes that the book is a guide only and should not serve as a substitute for legal advice from attorneys, government officials or labor leaders.
The Bureau of Labor Education offers educational programs on employee legal rights, protections, and responsibilities for a wide variety of groups, including: employees in the public and private sectors; leaders, officers, and staff of unions; community groups; educators and students; government officials, and public policy makers. There is a minimum program charge to cover expenses. To obtain a copy of the Guide, for $5, or to arrange for a bureau employment law program, contact the bureau by telephone (581-4124) or by e-mail (labored@maine.edu).