Trade Adjustment Assistance Approved for Maine Domtar Paper Workers

August 17, 2007 -- AUGUSTA – The U.S. Department of Labor has approved Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for Domtar employees who lost their jobs in July, Maine Governor John E. Baldacci learned Friday.

The approval makes displaced workers eligible for retraining, re-employment services, income support, relocation services and job search allowances.

“I am pleased that the federal government has approved this assistance,” said Governor Baldacci. “This will help provide laid-off workers the tools to speed their recovery and get them back to work. These are hard-working people who want to be working as soon as possible. This aid will help them do that. I want to thank Sen. Snowe, Sen. Collins, Rep. Michaud and Rep. Allen for joining me in supporting these families.”

Permanent closure of the Domtar paper machine in Baileyville eliminated about 150 jobs.

Earlier this week, the Governor and the Maine Congressional Delegation announced the formation of 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 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.

Source: Maine Governor

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