'All of that opportunity just went up in flames': Employees speak on International Paper mill closings
Share this @internewscast.com

In Savannah, Georgia, employees at International Paper are expressing their feelings as news circulates about the upcoming closure of local mills, which will leave them without jobs by the end of next month.

One employee spoke with on the condition of anonymity about the rocky road ahead for the more than 1,000 people who work at the IP mills.

One employee described an early morning email from the International Paper internal network, IP net, inviting available mill workers to an 8:30 a.m. meeting in HR’s conference room. Although the employee couldn’t attend, they learned of the closure just 30 minutes after the email, as an article was shared before the meeting concluded.

The IP employee said he wasn’t the only one who found out about the closure from news media instead of his employer, International Paper.

The employee expressed skepticism about how recently corporate decided to shut down, suspecting that this decision was made months ago. They believe more proactive measures could have been taken to soften the economic blow on the Savannah community.

Savannah and Chatham County government officials are now looking for ways to absorb hundreds of people in need of work.

Chester Ellis, the Chairman of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, highlighted the challenge of finding equally lucrative opportunities for displaced workers. He pointed out the financial repercussions of a salary drop, using the example of someone earning $35 an hour at International Paper potentially having to settle for $22 elsewhere, impacting their mortgage, rent, and daily expenses.

Though, some employees said finding comparable positions may be a challenge.

The IP employee noted the scarcity of comparable jobs in Savannah, where even the training wage at International Paper was $25 an hour, considered life-altering compensation. They remarked on the rare opportunities afforded by the company, opportunities that are now lost, comparing it to needing advanced degrees for similar pay elsewhere, stating that no other job in Savannah matched what International Paper provided.

Mill employees said they’ve been told IP will provide severance but only for people who’ve been with the company longer than a year.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Join the Celebration: Ballad Health’s Community Baby Shower Lights Up Greeneville Hospital!

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — Ballad Health held one of its regular Community…

Clearwater Police Safely Extract 5-Foot Boa Constrictor from Local Woman’s Vehicle

In an unusual twist of events in Clearwater, Florida, the local police…

United Way Appoints Dynamic New Leader to Propel Growth in Liberty and Long County

A tide of transformation is sweeping through Liberty and Long Counties as…

Port Wentworth Ice Cove Celebrates Milestone with Beam Topping Ceremony

PORT WENTWORTH, Ga. – Tuesday marked a significant milestone for Port Wentworth’s…

New Bill Seeks to Provide Compensation for Victims of Crimes Committed by Undocumented Migrants

In a recent legislative move, Florida State Representative Berny Jacques, a Republican…

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Snub Finalized: NFL Confirms No Reconsideration

NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL remains steadfast in its decision to…

Israel Confirms Identities of Additional Hostage Victims Amid Vance’s Diplomatic Mission to Meet Netanyahu

TEL AVIV – In a solemn update, Israeli authorities have confirmed the…

Texas Secretary of State Sparks Debate with Viral Post on Voter Fraud Allegations

Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson has reignited discussions about election integrity…

RCSO Revamps Deputy Hiring Process After Series of Arrests: What You Need to Know for 2025

AUGUSTA, Ga. ()- Concerns have been raised regarding the recruitment process for…

Forensic Experts Investigate Human Skull Discovered at JC Golf Course; DNA Analysis Next Step

In Johnson City, Tennessee, police are delving into the discovery of a…

Jefferson County Paramedic Faces Charges for Alleged Minor Exploitation

A paramedic from Jefferson County has been suspended following his arrest on…

New Development Near Forsyth Park to Feature Offices and Underground Parking

In Savannah, Georgia, there’s a buzz around a newly cleared plot near…