MSEA-SEIU Local 1989: MaineDOT’s announced closure of Jay maintenance camp is retaliation, not a cost-saving measure

JAY, Maine— The Maine Service Employees Association, Local 1989 of the Service Employees International Union (MSEA-SEIU Local 1989), the union representing Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) workers, is calling on the state to reverse its decision to close the Jay MaineDOT Maintenance Camp, stating that the move is retaliation against employees who spoke out about a hostile work environment. While MaineDOT claims the closure is about efficiency, the union and affected workers argue that it is meant to punish those who stood up for their rights.

The Jay maintenance camp has been operational for decades, and in March 2025, five employees—who have been vocal about workplace issues—will be reassigned. Despite MaineDOT’s claim that the closure will not impact operations, other workers will now be reassigned to Jay from different locations, proving that the need for maintenance and plowing remains unchanged. This move disrupts workers’ lives while jeopardizing public safety.

Disputing MaineDOT’s Claims

MaineDOT spokesperson Paul Merrill inaccurately reported that seven employees are being reassigned, when in fact, five impacted workers from Jay—who have been outspoken about workplace issues—are being reassigned, while others will be brought in to replace them or required to travel daily from other locations to maintain Jay’s roads. These inconsistencies raise concerns about the credibility of MaineDOT’s statements and its motivations behind the closure.

Senator Russell Black reached out to MaineDOT on behalf of affected workers to inquire about the reassignments. MaineDOT claimed that HR director Beth Getchell was working with the union on their grievance regarding retaliation. Union Representative Frankie St. Amand refuted this claim, stating, “That is blatantly untrue. As of February 14th, both the department and HR have failed to even respond to acknowledge our grievance, filed on January 27th. MSEA-SEIU is considering further legal action.”

Impact on Workers and the Community

Union representatives report that the Jay camp has been the site of long-standing workplace hostility, with employees facing intimidation and unsafe conditions dating back many years. Employees sought union support after management failed to address these issues, which escalated in August of 2024, leading to an employee suffering a serious workplace injury.

“Our management allowed bullying to continue unchecked. It’s why we turned to the union in the first place,” said John Whelpley, a Jay employee.

Workers also emphasize that this decision negatively affects road safety. Jason Baldwin, one of employees being reassigned from another camp to Jay, stated, “I’ve been plowing the same route in Dixfield for eight years. I know it inside and out. Moving me isn’t about efficiency—it’s about punishing workers in Jay who spoke up for themselves. I wasn’t even involved and now I have to suffer the consequences of the department’s retaliation.”

Tara Baldwin, Jason’s wife and a concerned community member, warned of the risks this decision creates. “The current Jay crew has taken care of these roads for over 20 years. They know the dangerous spots that need extra attention in the winter to keep our families safe. Now, they are bringing in different people who aren’t familiar with Jay’s plow routes to do the same work. It’s unsafe. This move isn’t just disruptive for workers—it puts our entire community at risk—children riding the school busses, commuters like myself, and our first responders.”

Union Response and Demands

The union has filed a grievance, and states that unless MaineDOT walks back the reassignments before March 24th, there will be further legal action. MSEA-SEIU is demanding negotiations over the impact of these reassignments and have requested substantial documentation from the department, asking them to prove their claims about the reassignments, including efficiency and financial analyses related to the supposed cost savings. Employees note that last month, a new Transportation Worker was hired at Jay, and the buildings have recently received upgrades, calling into question MaineDOT’s claims that they have been considering closing the camp for some time.

Community members have rallied behind the workers, with large numbers of people signing a petition urging the state to reverse the closure.

“This isn’t about efficiency. It’s about silencing workers who stood up for themselves,” said Kevin Whelpley.

MSEA-SEIU Local 1989 is calling on MaineDOT to reverse the decision, address workplace concerns, and respond to the union in good faith.