The employees contend that the paper company doesn’t want a competitor to operate the plant.

Plant workers say there is no optimism for a reopening after the Verso Paper mill is sold to a scrap-metal recycler.

The acquisition, Winxnet’s third this year, brings its workforce to 110 employees.

Hopes that the plant in East Millinocket will reopen fade after an investment firm, not a paper-making business, acquires it for $5.4 million.

Workers will be paid for an extra month, through Dec. 31, as the company winds down operations.

A judge rules a rival’s tech device was not unique so the patent is invalid, but it’s not the end of their legal battles.