"It is always troubling when workers lose their jobs through no fault of their own. This is a tough blow to the families affected and to a community that has been hard-hit in recent years," said Senators Snowe and Collins in a joint statement. "We will do everything possible to assist the workers during this difficult time. We expect to work together with state and community agencies to create a local task force that would help to provide job training and support services."
The Franklin County Community Task Force will be modeled after other successful efforts the Senators have spearheaded in communities across Maine in order to help displaced workers access available programs for job retraining, education, job search and relocation, and re-employment services, as well as other community-based services. The Senators will also support any effort by the company to obtain federal emergency funds to provide workers with Trade Adjustment Assistance.
International Paper employs around 1200 employees at the Androscoggin Mill.
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