Federal-State Task Force Created to Help Former Maine Domtar Workers and Washington County

August 15, 2007 -- AUGUSTA – Working cooperatively, Maine Governor John Elias Baldacci, Sen. Olympia Snowe, Sen. Susan Collins, Rep. Mike Michaud and Rep. Tom Allen have formed a joint task force to address the issues faced by the displaced workers from the Domtar mill in Baileyville and to promote economic development in Washington County.

“The impact of Domtar’s decision to close its paper machine will ripple around Washington County,” Governor Baldacci said. “We need to work collaboratively and use every available resource to help the displaced workers and the community recover. In Maine, we have a history of working together to solve big problems. That’s what needs to happen here.”

The task force will coordinate state and federal efforts to assist Domtar’s former employees and to protect the long-term health of the mill’s pulp production in Baileyville. Additionally, the task force will work with the private sector and regional economic development organizations to capitalize on economic opportunities and to help address the challenges that exist in creating and supporting new and sustained job growth in the area.

“Last night during a substantive conversation with the governor, we discussed the absolute necessity of a two-pronged approach in first assisting these highly skilled and productive employees who have sadly lost their jobs and, second, to ensure a strong, robust and viable pulp operation going forward into the future,” said Senator Snowe. “In the spirit of working hand-in-glove on this approach, this task force will include all available state and federal resources as well as those in the private sector while bringing together the best minds at one table to work line-by-line through the comprehensive list of issues critical to the displaced workers and the ongoing pulp operation.”

In July, Domtar announced that it would permanently close its paper machine in Baileyville and eliminate about 150 jobs. The plant’s pulp operation will continue to employee more than 300 workers.

"Just this week, I visited the mill in Baileyville to speak directly with Domtar employees who will lose their jobs through no fault of their own,” said Senator Collins. “This is devastating news, and they are understandably frustrated and concerned with the impact that this closure will have on them, their families, and their community. It is my hope that this task force will be able to complement the efforts already underway by the Washington County transition team and help provide answers and solutions to the many questions and concerns facing these dedicated workers."

Maine’s Department of Labor and Department of Economic and Community Development have sent rapid response teams to Baileyville and Washington County to help displaced workers with job placement and retraining. In addition, the Department of Labor has been working with Maine’s Congressional Delegation to receive Trade Adjustment Assistance.

“Mainers have rallied for each other during difficult times in the past and will do so now,” Representative Michaud said. “I have recently met with the workers to discuss the implications of this closing. These workers are dedicated, talented and hard-working Mainers who have given their all. In the days and weeks ahead, my office will work to provide whatever assistance is necessary to help these workers to get back to work.”

Washington County faces difficult challenges in its recovery. Creating new economic opportunity and safeguarding existing industries while also providing them with the opportunity to grow requires a unified effort.

“The Domtar job losses are only the latest in a series of sad economic news for the people of Washington County,” Representative Allen said. “This joint task force affords an opportunity for Maine to mount a vigorous, united response that focuses all of our resources and energy on behalf of the workers and their communities. As we learned in the case of the military base closure commission's recommendations, working together we can have a tremendous impact.”

Source: Maine Governor

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