For Immediate Release

October 21, 2005

Statement of Rep. Norm Dicks
RE: Weyerhaeuser Co. Announcement of Mill Closures

WASHINGTON, D.C. – “It was very discouraging to learn from the Weyerhaeuser Company today of the plans for the closure of the Aberdeen sawmill and the specialty pulp mill in Cosmopolis.  Over the years, these mills have provided good jobs for workers in southwest Washington, sustaining families and helping to anchor the local economy.  There is no doubt that these closures represent a serious setback for the community and for local employment.  I am encouraged, after talking with company officials, that every effort will be made to offer the workers other opportunities within Weyerhaeuser and to provide severance and transition benefits to affected workers.  But I am also committed to working with our two Senators, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, to seek specific Trade Adjustment Assistance from the Department of Labor.  Using this special program that assists workers in industries that have been negatively impacted by foreign competition, the Labor Department can assemble a package of re-employment assistance for each worker that addresses his or her individual situation.  At the same time, we must re-double the effort to bring new family-wage jobs to this area in order to help re-employ these individuals and to offer hope to the next generation of workers here in this community.”

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