Senator Susan Collins today spoke with Domtar CEO Raymond Royer to discuss the future of the Baileyville plant, what could be done to secure the remaining jobs there, and what could be done to assist the 150 workers that were recently laid off from their jobs.
Senator Collins told Royer that she was “very disappointed” about the shutdown of the paper machine.
Royer assured Senator Collins that the 300 remaining pulp operation jobs at the plant are secure and he discussed the possibility of future capital investment in the Baileyville plant that could help the operation grow, and possibly provide future jobs to some of the workers who recently lost their jobs. While Royer did not provide specific details of such a plan, Senator Collins said she was “cautiously optimistic” about that possibility.
Senator Collins also asked Royer to take another look at whether the company could provide further assistance to the 150 workers who have lost their jobs.
“It is crucial that Domtar work to secure the jobs in the pulp operation that remain in Baileyville. The plant is known for its high quality work and dedicated employees. It would be of benefit to both Domtar and Washington County for the pulp operation to grow. It is my hope that Domtar will also do everything it can to help the 150 workers and their families who, through no fault of their own, have lost their jobs,” said Senator Collins.
In addition, yesterday, Senator Collins sent a letter to U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao asking her to support a petition for Trade Adjustment Assistance and (TAA) and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) to assist the workers who were recently displaced.