Brewer mill employees express frustration, hope

BREWER – Eastern Fine Paper employees expressed frustration along with hope in response to Wednesday’s change in the company’s bankruptcy status.

Members of PACE Local 403 met Wednesday night at the Greater Bangor Area Central Labor Council building. About 50 workers showed up at the meeting.

Some attending had not yet heard of Eastern Fine’s change from Chapter 11 to Chapter 7 status, said union Vice President John Skidgel. He said the mill’s manager personally informed him of the decision.

Skidgel said it was a significant move and that a piece-by-piece liquidation of the mill was a possibility. On the other hand, he said, “The situation is very fluid,” adding that he believed most of the management who were at the mill Wednesday would show up again Thursday, even if on a volunteer basis.

“We’re not giving up yet,” said union President Peter Copa. “There’s still hope.”

Skidgel, trying to keep a positive attitude, said workers’ frustration was expected. “People have put their entire adult lives [into the mill],” he said.