RUMFORD – The local paper workers union wants extended medical coverage for those who take NewPage Corp. up on its early retirement offer and more money for early retirees.

Gary Hemingway, president of Local 900 of the United Steelworkers union, said the organization is asking for full medical coverage for 24 months, rather than 18 months as offered by the company.

“We want retirees to be closer to 65,” he said Thursday afternoon.

The early retirement package was offered a couple of weeks ago to about 70 employees who have reached the age of 60 following an announcement that No. 11 paper machine will be shut down permanently in February, taking with it about 60 jobs.

Included in the company’s retirement package for those who wish to participate is full medical coverage for 18 months and $46 per month for each year of service to the mill.

Employees must be vested in the pension system for a minimum of five years to participate.

Eligible employees have until March 7 to decide whether to take the retirement buyout.

Hemingway said the union is asking for a bit more cash each month, as well as a lowering of the eligible early buyout age to 58.

Tony Lyons, spokesman for the mill, said he’s not sure if the retirement offer can be negotiated.

“This is not part of the current contract. It will be taken under advisement,” he said.

In a related matter, about a half dozen of the total lost jobs are salaried positions. Lyons said several people have already left their jobs. The total number of hourly job losses won’t be known until a decision has been made by eligible employees on whether to take the company’s package.