By JOE LoTEMPLIO
PLATTSBURGH — The head of the New York Labor Department vows the state will do whatever it can to help the people about to lose their jobs at local Pfizer plants.
"We are determined that we are going to get the community every resource they are entitled to," Labor Department Commissioner M. Patricia Smith told reporters in Plattsburgh Friday.
Smith was in town to talk with local officials about the impact that Pfizer's announcement earlier this week will have on the community.
Pfizer will be closing research and development plants in Rouses Point, Chazy and Plattsburgh.
More than 340 jobs could be lost beginning early next year. Early estimates had placed the figure at 600 jobs, but those turned out to be based on outdated employee numbers.
Smith said state officials will analyze the skills sets of those to be laid off and the labor market to see what can be done to find employment.
"We hope to find out soon from Pfizer exactly who will be laid off," Smith said. "It's still too early to tell who can stay in the area because we don't know their skill set and it is still very early, and Pfizer's plans are still fluid."
The state will also work with employees to obtain whatever benefits are available to them once they are laid off.
The layoffs are expected to begin in February and run through the rest of 2010.
Smith said state departments, local leaders and state and federal representatives are looking for ways to replace the lost jobs, including marketing the research and development labs.
"It's always disheartening to see layoffs, especially in the North Country, where these are good-paying jobs.
"We will see the economic impact of this beyond the numbers."
A transition team of Plattsburgh/North Country Chamber of Commerce members, elected officials, business and education leaders has been put together to deal with the situation.
Chamber President Garry Douglas said the team is hoping for some success.
"Everybody is engaged," he said.
Smith said cooperation is essential.
"This is quite a challenge, but we've had good community response and will continue to work closely with all effected groups."
E-mail Joe LoTemplio at: jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com
