In the processing room of Ducktrap River of Maine in Belfast. Credit: Linda Coan O’Kresik

Maine labor officials say the state’s low unemployment rate held steady in December.

The Maine Department of Labor said Friday that the 3.4 percent unemployment rate was unchanged from October and November. The rate was up from 3.1 percent a year ago, but remained at historic lows.

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The state’s unemployment rate has been less than 4 percent for 37 months in a row. State labor officials say that stretch is a record.

The nationwide unemployment rate ticked up slightly from 3.7 percent in November to 3.9 percent in December. It was down from 4.1 percent a year prior. The New England unemployment rate was 3.4 percent for the six state region.