WASHINGTON, DC—Senator Susan Collins has released this statement on Bank of America’s announcement today regarding the future of its operations in Maine:
“I have been meeting with Bank of America officials since its acquisition of MBNA was announced last fall to advocate for the continuation of operations in Maine. Because Bank of America has announced that it intends to eliminate 6000 jobs within the company; we are very fortunate that the core of the MBNA business is going to remain in Maine. These jobs could have ended up any place in America - or probably the world for that matter - so it is a testament to the skill and ethic of our Maine workers that these operations are staying in Maine.
“It is no secret that prior to the acquisition, MBNA had run into severe problems with capitalization. This new relationship with Bank of America will bring some stability and certainty to the mid-coast operations.
“While the overall news is good, it is disappointing that a majority of the call centers will not be retained by Bank of America. I have urged Bank of America officials to attempt to sell the properties rather than close them outright. They have pledged to attempt to sell the properties and have told me that the condition of the facilities and the quality of the workforce would make a sale attractive to potential buyers. They stressed that there is no guarantee that a sale would be possible, but they have said that they will make a concerted effort to try. I will continue to advocate for all the affected workers.”