New Page troubles put spotlight on Edwards, trade policy

New Page officials announced today that they are shutting down the #11 paper machine at the Rumford mill, and with it goes about 60 jobs.

Today’s news has people talking about trade policy, as they make their picks for a presidential candidate. Many union workers favor John Edwards.

New Page closed paper machines in Maine, Wisconsin and Ohio. Most of the 660 job cuts were in Wisconsin.

Chuck Rocha, national political director for USW, said he expects Edwards to make a statement on the mill closings in Nevada tonight.

Edwards’ schedule only stretches through the South Carolina caucuses, and Rocha said he does not know if he will visit any of the mill sites.

Union workers, including state Sen. Bruce Bryant, D-Dixfield, favor John Edwards, Bean said. None of the labor unions in Maine have made an official endorsement.

“Your hourly folks are talking Democrats, your salary folks are talking Republican,” said Matt Bean, vice president of United Steelworkers Local 900 in Rumford. His members “feel the Democrats are blue collar friendly and worker friendly.”

Congressman Michael Michaud worked at the Great Northern Paper Company in Maine for 28 years, prior to taking office, and today he promised to be there for the laid-off workers. He endorsed Edwards last October.

"John Edwards has the courage to tackle problems that other politicians simply ignore – like ending poverty in America and making trade work for working Americans," Michaud said.

In response to Michaud’s endorsement, Edwards said: "As chair of the Labor Caucus, Mike understands the needs of hardworking Americans, and I look forward to working with him to build support for an agenda of bold change to restore economic fairness in our country."

Edwards has opposed trade policy deals, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement, because of the potential of a negative effect on American workers. Bryant said he is confident that Edwards could reign in trade deals in the face of foreign competition.

Kate Knox is the volunteer coordinator for Edwards in Maine. She said Maine mill, manufacturing and labor workers identify with Edwards both because of his experience and stances on the issues.

Edwards grew up working in the North Carolina textile mills.

“I think the stuff he talks about – the very personal experiences with his family, he has the mill culture and labor union experience that cuts very deep with voters,” Knox said. In mill towns, “He knows it’s difficult, when the mill is not doing well, to just walk down the street and get another job.”

Rocha knows Edwards from the picket lines.

“John has seen this exact thing happen in his own hometown,” Rocha said.

Bryant said the manufacturing industry can thrive in Maine, but it will take new technologies and products.

“Everyone is rapidly moving forward,” Bryant said. The state needs to look at “How to better use the fiber in the State of Maine.”

See also:

Job cuts to hurt River Valley economy

Statements from Maine politicians on the New Page job cuts