M.A.I.N.'s Statement of Economic Rights

Everyone in Maine has the right to have their basic needs met regardless of their financial capabilities. Society must guarantee that these basic needs will include but are not limited to: work with dignity; food and clothing; secure, affordable, permanent shelter; accessible and affordable health care; quality, accessible and affordable child care; and to a standard of living that is adequate for their economic security and well-being.

Economic Bill of Rights for Maine

1) Every individual has a right to human dignity, and to be treated with respect.

2) Every individual has the right to the opportunity to provide the basic needs of his/her family through each person's own best efforts and the shared commitment of everyone in Maine by productive work and quality public services.

3) Every individual has a right to a safe and clean environment that will be sustained economically in a way that protects and preserves the environment for future generations.

4) Every individual has the right to participate in the political decision-making processes that affect all of our lives.

5) Every individual has a right:

• To productive work with equal pay for equal or comparable work,
• To seek ones choice of employment,
• To protections against the ill effects of unemployment, and
• To freedom from discrimination in obtaining their basic needs.

6) Every individual has a right:

• To form and join labor unions and other groups which protect their interests,
• To bargain collectively on issues such as pay and working conditions,
• To strike without fear of reprisals, and
• To work in businesses or cooperatives which provide maximum opportunities for economic democracy.

7) Every individual has a right to education or training to obtain the skills that allow her/him to participate in the Maine economy, and at a level that will provide all of their family's needs.

8) Every individual has a right to access financial resources and services, including but not limited to, savings or checking accounts, loans and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA).

9) Every individual has a right to access quality legal services regardless of their ability to pay.

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MAIN members developed this Statement in 1999.  MAIN has been working in many ways to gain these rights.  Please join us!  Together, we can make a difference.