Maine Employment Law

Maine Human Rights Act covers all employers with 1+ employees. Broad protections including sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, and previous workers' compensation claims.

At-Will

Yes

Right-to-Work

No

EEOC Deferral

300 days

Min. Wage

$15.10

Maine State Laws (1)

MHRA

Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 5, §§ 4551-4634

300 days
1+ employees

The Maine Human Rights Act is one of the broadest state anti-discrimination laws in the nation, covering employers with just one or more employees. The Act prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation (which includes gender identity under Maine law), physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status, and previous workers' compensation claims. Maine has provided protections for sexual orientation since 2005 and has broadly interpreted the term to include gender identity.

Protected Classes

racecolorsexsexual orientation (including gender identity)physical or mental disabilityreligionageancestrynational originfamilial statusprevious workers' compensation claim

Key Provisions

  • ✓Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation (including gender identity), disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, and familial status
  • ✓Covers employers with 1 or more employees, providing some of the broadest coverage in the nation
  • ✓Protects employees from retaliation for filing workers' compensation claims
  • ✓Maine Human Rights Commission investigates complaints and may pursue administrative proceedings
  • ✓Employees may also file directly in state Superior Court after receiving a right-to-sue letter

Remedies

Back payFront payCompensatory damages (emotional distress)Punitive damagesAttorney fees and costsInjunctive reliefReinstatement
File with: Maine Human Rights Commission (MHRC)300 days from the discriminatory act

Federal Laws That Apply in Maine

These federal statutes protect workers nationwide, including in Maine. As a deferral state, the EEOC filing deadline is extended to 300 days for most claims.

Title VII15+ employees
300 days
ADA15+ employees
300 days
ADEA20+ employees
300 days
EPA1+ employees
730 days
PDA15+ employees
300 days
PWFA15+ employees
300 days
FMLA50+ employees
730 days
FLSA1+ employees
730 days
Section 19811+ employees
1460 days
GINA15+ employees
300 days
USERRA1+ employees
— days
NLRA1+ employees
180 days
OSH Act1+ employees
30 days
WARN Act100+ employees
— days
Rehabilitation Act1+ employees
300 days
SOX Section 8061+ employees
180 days
INA Section 1324b4+ employees
180 days

Check which laws apply to your situation in Maine

Our free assessment identifies applicable federal, state, and local protections based on your specific circumstances.

Check My Rights

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.Maine laws are subject to legislative changes. Consult a qualified employment attorney in Maine for advice about your specific situation. Last reviewed: February 2025.