Mill layoffs permanent

MOYIE SPRINGS — The 65 workers laid off by Riley Creek's Moyie Springs mill on July 24 will not be called back to work, the company announced Thursday.

Additionally, reports said six other workers were let go and several more had their job descriptions changed or their pay cut.

The workers probably expected the move, said Dave Darrow, manager of Idaho Department of Labor in Bonners Ferry.

"We've been preparing for this," he said. "They originally said 60 days, those came and went, so it was a possibility that the (layoffs) were going to be permanent."

The layoffs were expected to last a minimum of 60 days when Riley Creek announced them in July. Market conditions and low profit margins drove the job cuts.

Most of the 65 workers have found other employment already, Darrow said, lending credence to the idea that most believed the layoffs would be permanent.

"Only a small percentage (of the workers) continue to file for unemployment," Darrow said.

Those still unemployed can work with the department of labor to explore re-training and educational opportunities, he said. That will help those who have worked in the timber industry their entire life.

"For a number of those still on unemployment, this is all they've ever known," he said. "We can look at options for training and school for them."

Re-training and education may be paid for by the Workforce Investment Act, Darrow said. Those working with WIA, however, will not have living expenses paid and must have some other source of income for rent and food and other similar expenses, he said.

If a group of employees — or Riley Creek itself — wants to claim the layoffs were due to lumber coming into the country from Canada or Mexico, then additional remedies may be available. In such cases, a Trade Act action can be brought. The employees, or the employer, can file a petition with the U.S. Department of Labor alleging their job loss was due to the North American Free Trade Act, or NAFTA. If the department determines that to be true, then it allows for further benefits, Darrow said.

Riley Creek owner Mark Brinkmeyer and Human Resources director Betty Becker did not return telephone calls seeking comment Friday.