Several Subway shops in Maine close as state revokes business certificates
PORTLAND (WGME) -- Several Subway restaurants in Maine, owned by MTF Subs, were abruptly closed after the state revoked their business registration certificates Wednesday. Maine Revenue Service officials confirmed the closures, citing noncompliance with sales and tax laws under Title 36 Part 3. Affected locations include at least seven shops, leaving dozens of employees without jobs. MTF Subs, founded by Michael Fay, operates 45 Subway restaurants, with 15 in Maine. CBS13 reached out to Fay and his team via email, and we have not yet heard back.In response to the closures, the Maine Department of Labor is advising displaced workers to apply for unemployment insurance. "Any worker who is either experiencing a layoff or some sort of a job transition, we have a variety of services," Department of Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman said. She emphasizes the importance of applying for unemployment insurance as quickly as possible as a first step.The department offers support through 11 career centers statewide and online services, including a virtual career center. Fortman highlighted a weekly virtual rapid response session on Wednesdays at 10 a.m., providing information on job searches, unemployment and health insurance.Fortman notes a mandatory weeklong waiting period for unemployment applications, but eligible individuals could receive checks within two weeks. "We encourage people to apply right away so that we can get the process going," Fortman said. “The Department is here to assist these workers through this period of uncertainty. We have resources to assist them with both their immediate needs and long-term goals and want to make their next steps as simple as possible during this stressful time.”If laid off, the Department encourages affected workers to do the following:Immediately apply for unemployment insurance, which provides partial wage replacement while a person transitions to their next employment opportunity. You can apply online 24/7, by phone at 1-800-593-7660 Monday-Friday between 8 a.m.-3 p.m. or in person at the Augusta, Bangor, Portland, Lewiston and Presque Isle CareerCenters on Thursdays between 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Attend the virtual Rapid Response session, which is held every Wednesday at 10 a.m. and is open to anyone. Sessions cover unemployment insurance, CareerCenter services, the Maine JobLink, health insurance options, training assistance, etc.If owed wages, contact the Bureau of Labor Standards by filling out a complaint form or calling 207-623-7900.Connect with the Maine JobLink and the CareerCenter to find new employment that works for you.For more information visit the MaineDOL website.
