Hazard pay is in effect in Portland after Gov. Janet Mills declared a state of civil emergency Thursday in all of Maine's eight coastal counties that were battered by a storm Tuesday night and Wednesday. City officials issued a notice Thursday that employers in Portland must pay their employees at least $22.50 per hour for the duration of the emergency declaration, which is expected to last at least one week. The hazard pay provision is part of the city's minimum wage ordinance, which states that the minimum wage (currently $15 per hour) will increase 1.5 times during states of emergency. The emergency minimum wage for tipped workers is $11.25 per hour, plus tips. The emergency rate doesn't apply to employees working remotely under a telework arrangement. The governor's order allows the state to marshal resources to assist communities that were hit hard by recent rain and flooding in Cumberland, Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo, Washington and York counties. It also positions the state to seek federal disaster relief funds. Municipal officials cannot provide legal guidance on paying employees, the city's notice stated, and any business owner with questions should consult an attorney. The Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce also notified members about the hazard pay requirement. "We are working to obtain additional information and we will continue to update our members as this dynamic situation unfolds," the notice stated. Invalid username/password. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. Email Address Password Display Name Already registered? Log in to join the discussion. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here's why. Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. Email Address Send questions/comments to the editors. " Previous Harvard Jewish students sue university over antisemitism filed under: portland maine Related Stories Latest Articles