U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins today released the following statement in response to the announcement that Irving Forest Products Pinkham mill will be closing its operations in Ashland. Both Senators have pledged support for the approximately 61 workers that will be affected by this announcement.
Senator Snowe said, “The closing of Ashland Saw Mill follows a deeply troubling trend of untimely mill closures and lay-offs in our state that has strained hardworking families, local economies, and community resources. During a conversation with company President Jim Irving today, I reiterated that I would do everything possible to ensure that the workers of Ashland Saw Mill receive the necessary assistance to find and attain new jobs and regain their livelihoods.”
“This is devastating news for the Irving workers in Ashland who will be adversely affected by these layoffs,” said Senator Collins. “As I told Jim Irving, I will do everything possible to ensure that these employees get the critical assistance they need to stay on their feet during these difficult times.”
During previous temporary shutdowns, Senators Snowe and Collins have strongly supported all requests for Trade Adjustment Assistance through the Department of Labor.
Both Senators’ staff has spoken to town, mill and labor officials to express support and offer assistance to the workers being displaced. Also, both offices have talked to the Chair of the Transition Team committee and will plan to attend a preliminary Transition Team meeting next week. The Transition Team is made up of representatives of various resource agencies that meet to discuss what local assistance is available to help the workers through this time of transition from losing their jobs to hopefully becoming gainfully employed once again.