Maine Expands Equal Pay Law

Maine has enacted legislation that amends the state’s equal pay law to address race-based discrimination in pay. Previously, the state’s equal pay law addressed sex-based discrimination only. The changes take effect Oct. 25, 2023.

The details

Under the new law, employers are now prohibited from discriminating among employees in the same establishment based on race by paying wages to any employee in any occupation in the state at a rate less than the rate at which the employer pays any employee of another race for comparable work on jobs that have comparable requirements relating to skill, effort and responsibility.

Differentials that are paid pursuant to established seniority systems or merit increase systems or differences in the shift or time of the day worked that do not discriminate based on race are allowed.

Employers are prohibited from taking adverse action against any employee for invoking or assisting in any manner with the enforcement of the law.

Next steps

• Review policies and practices to ensure compliance with the changes.
• Train supervisors on the new law.

Please contact your ADP^® Service Representative if you have any questions.