By Guy Page

A labor shortage at Cabot Creamery has forced the butter and cheese producer to at least temporarily stop store deliveries of several products – including the three-pound blocks of cheddar cheese, News 5 reports.

“Affected products include the cracker cuts, encrusted cheese bars, and 3-pound cheddars, all of which the co-op said are expected to be back in stock in the coming weeks,” News 5 reported yesterday. “Also on the list is the Cabot waxed cheddar collection, which the brand said was among the items that were temporarily discontinued because analysis determined demand tends to be seasonal.”

Job listings on Indeed.com show Cabot offering $20/hour and up for first-shift production jobs.

Minimum wage up – In other workforce news, the State’s minimum wage became $13.67 per hour on January 1. This is an increase of $0.49 from the 2023 minimum wage of $13.18. 

This annual adjustment also impacts the minimum wage for tipped employees. The Basic Tipped Wage Rate for service, or “tipped employees,” equals 50% of the full minimum wage. On January 1, 2024, the tipped minimum wage will increase from $6.59 to $6.84 per hour. 

The State’s tipped minimum wage law allows employers to pay a lower hourly rate, as long as the employee receives tips equal to, or greater to than, the standard minimum wage during a given shift. In cases where the employee does not receive enough in tips during a workweek to equal the standard minimum wage per hour, the employer is required to pay the difference in order to ensure the tipped wage employee is compensated at the non-tipped minimum wage amount.

Guv, Treasurer plan resilience initiative – Following a freeze in May and two major floods since then, Gov. Phil Scott and Treasurer Mike Pieciak have announced a ‘comprehensive resilience implementation strategy” aimed at protecting people and infrastructure from extreme weather. According to a joint statement by the governor and the treasurer, the plan features:

1. Community-Centric Approach: The Strategy will place communities at the forefront. Recognizing that local perspectives and needs are integral to effective climate resilience, the Strategy will promote community engagement that is in line with Vermont’s Environmental Justice law and empower residents to actively participate in shaping their region’s resilience strategies.

2. Nature-Based Solutions: Governor Scott and Treasurer Pieciak are committed to protecting Vermont’s rich natural resources. The Strategy will prioritize projects to safeguard ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and mitigate the impact of extreme weather events on agriculture, forestry, and water resources. These solutions also serve to buffer the state’s infrastructure and built environment from the most intense impacts of climate change.
   
3. Infrastructure Design and Reinforcement: Vermont has a considerable amount of infrastructure – from roads and bridges to wastewater treatment facilities to power lines and communications services – that is vulnerable to climate impacts. Recognizing this vulnerability, the Strategy will identify how to “harden” Vermont’s critical assets to better withstand extreme weather events.
   
4. Early Warning Systems and Fast, Effective Response: Early warning mechanisms and fast, effective response are critical to ensuring Vermonters’ safety. The Strategy will build out early warning mechanisms and identify policies needed to support fast, effective response. These tools will enable Vermont to anticipate and respond swiftly to climate-related threats, reducing the impact on communities and infrastructure.
   
5. Economic and Environmental Sustainability: Climate change has an impact on Vermont’s economy. Acknowledging the interconnectedness of climate resilience and economic stability, the Strategy will also include initiatives to support businesses and working lands enterprises. 

State government promotes senior leaders: Governor Scott Tuesday announced two leadership appointments: Nate Formalarie as deputy commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and Heather Pembrook as deputy commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Formalarie has been with the Agency of Commerce and Community Development since 2018, most recently as the director of communications and strategic initiatives, and prior to that in the Department of Tourism and Marketing. In addition to his communications leadership, he has worked across multiple departments, agencies, and external partners to support the state’s response and recovery from COVID-19 and recent flooding. Prior to state government, Formalarie worked in communications roles at Cabot Creamery and Vermont Hard Cider Company and was a news producer at WCAX-TV.

Pembrook has worked with the Department since 1995 designing and implementing monitoring programs for the biological health of lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. Appointed as deputy commissioner in December 2023, she began her transition to the leadership team to support the diverse programs within the Department of Environmental Conservation, including hazardous waste and recycling, clean water, geology, dam safety, and air quality.