JAY - The Maine Department of Labor Rapid Response Team is scheduled to meet with Wausau Paper mill officials and union representatives at the mill Sept. 2 to talk about helping the approximately 146 workers losing their jobs at the Otis mill this year.

"We are going to meet with the company and union next Tuesday to develop a plan of action," team coordinator Judy Pelletier said. "Also at that time, we will provide a workers' needs survey so employees can identify what their needs are, so we can develop a customized approach to meet those needs."

Wausau Paper notified employees Monday that the company is shutting down the No. 10 paper machine and laying off nearly 150 of its 235 workers by the end of the year.

"There is a little bit of time with the warning notices, but at the same time we want to get in there to meet with those employees," Pelletier said. "We're not going to wait until they're laid off."

They will be told about CareerCenter services, self-employment resources, health insurance offerings, job research assistance and training options, she said.

The company is reviewing other options that may provide help for those affected, Pelletier said. Once the surveys are returned, she said, they will look at what kind of funding is available.

Workers will be asked about their interests in services such as training, resume writing and budgeting, she said.

The Rapid Response Team will set up workshops either on site or at another place in the area.

In 1997, Wausau acquired the 120-year-old mill that straddles the Jay-Livermore Falls line on the banks of the Androscoggin River.