SEN COLLINS WORKS TO ASSIST DISPLACED WORKERS AT OSRAM SYLVANIA PLANT IN WALDOBORO

WASHINGTON, DC-- Following yesterday's announcement by Osram Sylvania officials that it plans to close its plant in Waldoboro, displacing 134 full time workers, Senator Collins is calling for a task force to provide employees with assistance regarding what resources may be available to them. In addition, Senator Collins has arranged for an upcoming meeting for displaced workers to learn more about local and federal resources that could be of help to them after the plant closes its doors.

The plant, which manufacturers light bulb filaments, plans to lay off workers over the course of the next ten months.

"It is always troubling to see hard workers lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Osram Sylvania is an economic pillar of Waldoboro and these upcoming layoffs will be very difficult on the entire community. It is also particularly sad to receive such bad news so close to the holidays.

"I will do everything I can to help these displaced workers and their families during these difficult times. It is my hope that a task force and upcoming seminar will provide useful information to these workers about what resources are available to them," said Senator Collins.

Senator Collins has contacted the US Department of Labor to inquire about whether these displaced workers are eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA).

Details of the resources meeting are as follows: Tuesday, November 23, 2004 10 AM – 12 PM Waldoboro VWF