Self Help Tools

Read this page to learn about laws that protect farmworkers, information about where to get legal help, and information about COVID-19, workers’ compensation, minimum wage, and federal farmworker protections.

What is the minimum wage for farmworkers? The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. You must be paid at least $7.25 per hour. Even if you are paid on a piece rate basis, your hourly wages each week must average at least $7.25 per hour or your state’s minimum wage for agricultural workers.

Safety first. If you are in danger, call 911 for the Police. Physical abuse by your spouse or partner is illegal. Your safety is most important.

The law requires employers to provide a safe and healthy working environment. It is against the law for employers to retaliate against you for raising concerns about safety and health conditions. This includes concerns about COVID-19.

Are you a farmworker in Maine in need of medical care or a medical consultation? Maine Mobile Health can deliver care for regular medical issues, as well as advise you on COVID-19-related illness.

Information for Farmworkers about how to protect themselves from COVID-19 - in English, Haitian Creole, and Spanish!

If You or Your Spouse Have Been in the Armed Services You May Get Special Benefits When Applying for a State Job Maine gives benefits to some former members of the armed services and their spouses. You can get these if you are a veteran, or if your spouse was a veteran and has passed away.

What is worker classification? Why does it matter how I'm classified? How can I tell which way I've been classified? I think I should be classified as an employee but how do I know?

This is a very general outline of your rights as a worker in Maine. It covers basic questions you might have after losing your job. We also explain how the unemployment benefit system works. You may be unemployed because you were laid off or fired, or you quit. The facts of your particular situation will affect your rights under the law.

This information tells you about some of the benefits you may be able to get if you lose your job. It includes only benefits which are administered by the Maine Department of Labor.