State team available to assist GNP workers

BANGOR – The state Department of Labor’s Rapid Response team, which assists laid-off employees with unemployment and job retraining benefits, will be at the Katahdin Area Training and Entrepreneurial Center today and will be available to speak with Great Northern Paper Co.’s workers.

No time was available Thursday evening. Call 746-5741.

GNP is certified for Trade Adjustment Assistance from the federal government for the 200 workers laid off by the papermaker late last year, said Tim McLellan, director of the Bureau of Unemployment Services. Those benefits would be extended to any of the remaining 1,200 workers if they lose their jobs, he said.

Under TAA, employees who lose their jobs will receive 26 weeks of unemployment benefits and assistance with health care costs, as well as up to 78 additional weeks of benefits while they pursue training and new jobs.