FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Rachel Dumeny
Office of the Commissioner
Vermont Department of Labor
Rachel.dumeny@vermont.gov
Statement from Commissioner Harrington regarding Putney Paper Mill Layoffs
Montpelier, Vt. - Vermont Labor Commissioner Michael Harrington gave the following statement regarding the announcement of layoffs at Putney Paper Mill operated by Soundview Vermont Holdings LLC.
“The Vermont Department of Labor is saddened by the news of the closure of the Putney Paper Mill facilities in Putney, VT. The Department extends its support to all 127 employees affected by this unfortunate event. We are actively collaborating with the employer, Soundview Vermont Holdings, LLC, to ensure that comprehensive support services are provided in partnership with our department to ensure that affected employees received information regarding unemployment benefits and reemployment services.
On January 16, 2024, Soundview Vermont Holdings, LLC notified the Department of Labor of this closure in accordance with the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) and Vermont’s Notice of Potential Layoff Act (NPLA).
The Department of Labor is closely engaged with Soundview and commends their commitment to going above and beyond for their employees during this challenging time. The company is providing a minimum of 60-days pay with benefits for all impacted workers in addition to a severance package at the time of separation. By providing the 60-days of pay with benefits, the company is adhering to the 45-day notice requirement under WARN and NPLA.
The Department of Labor’s Rapid Response layoff team has initiated contact with company officials and is actively collaborating to provide essential services to the affected workers. These services include informative sessions on Unemployment Insurance, guidance on health insurance options through Vermont Health Connect, and re-employment services such as job search strategies, referrals, and training opportunities.
Additionally, the Department will assist in hosting job fairs and hiring events to establish direct connections between the impacted workers and local employers in Putney with open positions.
In the meantime, employees who were affected by this layoff can visit the Department of Labor’s regional Job Centers in Brattleboro and Springfield for one-on-one services, or by calling (802) 828-4394.
Employers looking for available talent should contact the Vermont Department of Labor’s Workforce Development Division at (802) 828-4394.
While the closure of a major regional employer is never easy, being able to partner with the employer, like Soundview, ensures that affected employees receive timely and accurate support services.”
For more information about the Department of Labor’s workforce development service, visit: https://labor.vermont.gov/workforce-development.
For more information about the federal WARN Act and Vermont’s Notice of Potential Layoff Act, visit: https://labor.vermont.gov/warn-act-and-notice-potential-layoffs-act.
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