Putting skills to work: Stimson workers get help looking at options after lumber mill closure
By PAMELA J. PODGER of the Missoulian
BONNER - Ninety-two workers at Stimson Lumber Co. who face an indefinite layoff in mid-May from the Bonner plant were briefed Tuesday on their options for retraining, education and other prospects by a variety of government agencies.
The briefings, held in two sessions at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Bonner, urged the millworkers to start considering their future plans.
“There are some of us who are just bamboozled by the ‘what next' step,” said Larry Keogh, a sawmill equipment operator since 1990.
Wolf Ametsbichler, manager of the Missoula Job Service, said his outfit would enroll workers in all the programs at once, so the process would be “seamless.”
“I feel your pain,” Ametsbichler said. “You've been in one occupation for many, many years. (But) you'll be amazed at how many of those skills are transferable.”
Tom Conley, Dan Pyette and Fesaitu Samuela,: from left, have a combined 93 years of experience working in lumber mills, 83 of them at Stimson Lumber Co. in Bonner. They will all have to find new work when Stimson closes its doors in May. Photo by MICHAEL GALLACHER/Missoulian
He urged workers not to quit or accept a new job without first calling his office because many of the programs apply to laid-off workers.
Representatives from the Missoula Job Service, Dickinson Adult Learning Center and the University of Montana's College of Technology promised to provide skills assessments, job-matching services and remedial education. They also will offer mock interviews and counseling as the process unfolds.
Ametsbichler said there are programs and funds to help workers who seek education or job training in a new industry. There also are programs to help with relocation, retirement or temporary wage assistance if they accept lower-paying jobs.
Lois Lemieux of the state Department of Labor and Industry told workers they're eligible for up to 28 weeks of unemployment assistance.
Mike Woodworth, business manager for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 3038, said the Stimson work force has a good reputation in the area. He said many of the current workers are older, earning an average of $16 an hour. He said most applied for some unemployment insurance in February when the plant was idled for one month.
The union met with management on April 10 and presented its severance package; the company responded with its plan.
“We were unable to reach an agreement,” said Woodworth, adding the next meeting with the company is May 2.
Most of the Bonner workers will be laid off on May 19. But a handful will remain to clean and wind up the mill's operations, said Dorothy Cross, human resources coordinator for Stimson in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
After the briefing, Bill Dallman, 50, of Bonner said he attended a similar meeting in 1993 when Champion International Corp. sold out.
“I know for myself, and for a lot of us here, we want to get out of the timber industry,” Dallman said. “I don't really want to leave Montana, but there just (aren't) many jobs left that pay a decent wage.”
Electrician Jeff Runyan, 46, of Missoula said it was helpful to have an explanation of all the available programs.
“I've got some job prospects, but I might hold off now that I know more about the benefits,” he said.
Carol Templeton, 55, said she's been a saw filer at the plant for 12 years.
The meeting was “kind of a fast overview of what we need to know,” said Templeton, who lives at Beavertail Hill. “I'm considering taking advantage of the schooling in accounting.”
Several meetings are in the offing to continue informing the affected millworkers.
Woodworth said there will be a 1:30 p.m. meeting May 17 to discuss severance, health and pension benefits. That session will be held at 208 E. Main St. in Missoula.
Representatives from the Lifelong Learning Center said there would be sessions on May 6, at 1 and 6:30 p.m., and on May 7 at 6 p.m. to discuss training and educational options. The center is located at 310 S. Curtis St. in Missoula.
The College of Technology will hold two sessions at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on May 13 at 909 South Ave. W. They'll explain the admissions process, programs and be available to answer questions.
Representatives from Consumer Credit Counseling and from the offices of U.S. Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester and U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg also attended the meeting and offered support.
Cross said a similar meeting will be held Wednesday at noon in Coeur d'Alene. That sawmill also faces an indefinite layoff, affecting about 60 workers.
Reporter Pamela J. Podger can be reached at 523-5241 or at pamela.podger@missoulian.com.
