Maine State Employees Demand Pay Raise from Governor Mills

Union leader calls on governor to address state worker pay gap and improve working conditions

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Mark Brunton, president of the Maine Service Employees Association, is urging Governor Janet Mills to close the pay gap for state workers in Maine. Brunton says state employees, including critical workers like snowplow drivers and caseworkers, are struggling with low wages that don't keep up with the cost of living, leading to staffing shortages and dangerous working conditions. Despite multiple studies showing state workers are paid substantially below private and public sector peers, the Mills administration has not addressed the issue, instead relying on low wages. Brunton is calling on the governor to use her executive power to prioritize fair pay for state employees in the upcoming state budget.

Why it matters

Maine's reliance on low state worker wages puts public services and safety at risk, as critical roles like snowplow drivers, caseworkers, and first responders face staffing shortages and dangerous working conditions. Addressing the state's pay gap could help retain and attract talent for vital public sector jobs.

The details

State workers like snowplow drivers in Maine's Department of Transportation have been working 36-hour shifts with little to no breaks due to staffing shortages caused by low pay. The Maine Service Employees Association, which represents 13,000 state workers, has pressed the Mills administration for nearly a decade to reform the state's outdated compensation system, which multiple studies have shown leaves state employees paid substantially below private and public sector peers. Despite these findings, the state has continued to rely on low wages, even as state workers face dangerous and traumatic conditions on the job.

  • On January 25, MaineDOT workers headed out for 36-hour snowplow shifts before the State of the State address.
  • In December, the state worker bargaining team declared impasse and sought assistance from the Maine Labor Relations Board due to the administration's offer of paltry raises.
  • In 2009, 2020, and 2024, studies showed Maine state workers are paid substantially below private and public sector peers.

The players

Mark Brunton

President of the Maine Service Employees Association, Local 1989 of the Service Employees International Union, representing 13,000 Maine workers. He works as a community health planner for the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

Janet Mills

The Governor of Maine who Brunton is calling on to address the state worker pay gap.

Maine Service Employees Association

A union representing 13,000 Maine state workers that has pressed the Mills administration to reform the state's compensation system.

MaineDOT

Maine's Department of Transportation, whose snowplow drivers have been working 36-hour shifts due to staffing shortages caused by low pay.

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What they’re saying

“She's right, things are unaffordable for workers in Maine. Why isn't she using her power to support a fair contract for state workers?”

— Maine state workers

“The low pay issues affect not only our DOT members, many of whom start at $19.81 an hour. We hear from workers statewide struggling with multiple jobs, seeking subsidized housing or public assistance and making sacrifices — all while doing their jobs as state employees.”

— Mark Brunton, President, Maine Service Employees Association

What’s next

The Maine Legislature will review Governor Mills' supplemental budget proposal, which Brunton hopes will prioritize fair pay increases for state workers.

The takeaway

Addressing the state worker pay gap in Maine is crucial to retaining talent, ensuring public safety, and upholding the state's commitment to its frontline employees who provide vital public services.