PORTLAND (WGME) — Portland voters will re-evaluate the city’s hazard pay regulations at the polls on Election Day. Voters could decide to change the conditions under which Portland workers receive a pay raise during a state of emergency.

Question A asks Portland residents to consider amending the city’s emergency wage ordinance, originally passed in 2020. Currently, when the state or region declares a state of emergency, the wage city ​​minimum is increased by 50%. Right now, that’s an increase of $15 to $22.50.

If Question A passes, this increase will only take effect if the city itself declares a state of emergency.

Supporters of the change, including Portland Mayor Mark Dion, argue that the decision should be made locally, allowing the city to maintain control of its minimum wage. Some residents, like Joseph Chavez, support this view, saying wage increases should be based on actual local needs.

“It makes more sense for it to be regional and apply to those who basically need it,” Chavez said.

However, many workers’ rights advocates, including Maine’s American Democratic Socialists, oppose the amendment. They say cutting workers’ wages could have serious repercussions on families.

Former Mayor Ethan Strimling spoke out against Question A, calling it an attempt to undermine hazard pay.

“Ultimately, Portland workers deserve to earn more money every day of the week, and they certainly don’t deserve to have their pay cut in the middle of a public health crisis or during a weather event ” Strimling said.

On the business side, major companies, like MaineHealth, have donated thousands of dollars to support the law change. We reached out to a dozen Portland small businesses for their thoughts, but none provided comment.