Labor committee recommends confirmation of Anne Freeman to Maine Labor Relations Board

The Joint Standing Committee on Labor voted unanimously to recommend Anne Freeman, Esq., of Portland for reappointment to the Maine Labor Relations Board.

Freeman appeared remotely and described more than 20 years practicing labor and employment law representing primarily unionized public-sector employers. She told the committee she would "provide a fair and reasonable assessment of the dispute and make decisions which are grounded in the facts, the contracts, the history between the parties," and said she would bring an employer perspective while striving for impartial outcomes.

Representative Amy Rader formally moved that the committee recommend Freeman's confirmation under the statutory procedures the chairs cited (Title 3, §157). A governor's representative summarized Freeman's qualifications and urged support, listing Freeman's degrees and prior roles in labor relations and compliance. Freeman confirmed this is a reappointment after a paperwork discrepancy was noted.

During questioning, Representative Mike Sobolewski raised past criticisms of the Labor Relations Board from unions, including complaints about slow processing and alleged bad-faith bargaining findings. Freeman said she could not speak for the board generally but that "in my experience" the board processes she has been involved with did not exhibit the delays described and that she would "endeavor to come to ... resolutions as quickly as we can."

The committee took an immediate roll-call vote and recorded unanimous support from members present. The chair congratulated Freeman and said the committee will notify the president of the Senate in accordance with the joint rules.

The confirmation hearing is closed; the committee may vote formally within the statutory window if procedures require further action.