The Reason for a Firing, and the File
26 M.R.S. § 630 — the reasons in writing within 15 days of a written request
On a written request, an employer gives a fired employee the written reasons for the termination. One who does not within 15 days of the request may face a forfeiture of $50 to $500, and the employee may sue for an order and fees.
Who handles this in Maine: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Maine directory.
On a written request, an employer lets a current or former employee review and copy their personnel file, evaluations, pay and benefit records and nonprivileged medical notes included, with one free copy of the whole file each calendar year.
An employer that without good cause does not allow it within 10 days of the request is subject to $25 for each day it continues, up to $500.
Sources for this section (2)
- 26 M.R.S. § 630 — Written statement of reason for termination of employment
- 26 M.R.S. § 631 — Employee right to review personnel file
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maine attorney.