UMaine offering retroactive pay to student employees, BDN reports
The Bangor Daily News reported the University of Maine is paying about $75,000 in back wages to more than 900 current and former Dining Services student employees. The money will compensate workers who weren’t paid during 15-minute meal breaks over a two-year span, the BDN reported. Retroactive pay was offered as a matter of fairness in response to concerns some students raised, according to UMaine officials. In September, three students who worked in Dining Services aired their concerns about having to clock out for 15-minute breaks and not getting paid for those periods. The employees also received a complimentary meal during a break in their shift, according to the university’s policy. The three students believe the practice violated federal wage regulations, the article states. The university contends the practice was not illegal but said it “didn’t match our written student employment policies.” Affected student workers will receive checks through the spring, according to the university. WABI (Channel 5) also reported on the issue.