G-P workers advised of jobless assistance

OLD TOWN – Personnel from several agencies gathered to talk with 300 displaced Georgia-Pacific Corp. millworkers at three meetings held Tuesday to try to help them deal with life after G-P.

The paper company eliminated its tissue-making operation last week.

“The main goal I have is to get into your hands names of services available,” said tricounty Rapid Response Group coordinator David Conroe, addressing a large group at the G-P training center. “The second goal is to leave you with the next steps.”

A large portion of the discussion dealt with unemployment compensation. George Thomas, regional director of the Unemployment Compensation Division, told workers when and how to file.

“You don’t go in and file for unemployment anymore,” he said. “Now you do it by the phone.”

Workers have to wait until severance, vacation and WARN – for Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification – Act payments have been made before unemployment payments can begin. All of the workers will receive 60 days’ pay under the WARN Act. The date severance and vacation pay are finished will determine when unemployment checks will be issued. Unemployment pay lasts for 26 weeks.

“It will be a month and a half before you even start to file for unemployment,” Thomas said.

The maximum people can receive is $283 per week under the program plus $10 for each child under age 18 now attending school.

“In essence you’re already prequalified,” said Thor Noyes, team leader for the Unemployment Compensation Division.

The weekly claim card is the key piece of paperwork people need to remember to file to receive unemployment payments.

“You’re required to seek employment, and there are three slots for those,” Noyes said. “And there are seven questions on the back.”

The labor-related questions address applicants’ ability to work, whether they receive job offerings or whether they receive money from other sources. Noyes said anyone having problems with unemployment may call him directly at 561-4622.

“If you think you’re in hot water, call me,” he said. “I’ll smooth it over. I want you to use me as a troubleshooter.”

The Career Center is offering a variety of programs for the workers, which include job placement, help with resumes and job interviews, and additional job training.

“Our job goal isn’t to get people into McDonald’s,” said Conroe. “Our goal is to get you a comparable job.”

The Bangor Career Center will hold six additional sessions, at 9 and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. April 11 and April 17.

Mike Wilcox, a 19-year G-P veteran napkin worker, said he feels confident he’ll find a job.

“I feel optimistic,” he said. “I came out with a positive attitude. There is life outside G-P.”

Representatives from the Maine AFL-CIO, Sen. Susan Collins, Rep. Michael Michaud and local lawmakers attended the three meetings. State Rep. Anita Haskell of District 137, which encompasses part of Old Town, told the former G-P workers that the services provided are good but it’s important to follow the directions to the letter.

“I hope they’ll all take advantage of what the state has to offer,” Haskell said.