Despite looming layoffs, the local head of the union representing papermakers in Camas is hopeful they will land on their feet.

The state Employment Security Department announced Wednesday that the mill will officially begin laying off employees May 1. Mill owner Georgia-Pacific, a subsidiary of Koch Industries, first announced the layoffs in November but hadn’t said when they would happen.

The Atlanta, Ga.-based company plans to shut down its communications paper division — paper for printers, copiers and the like — for which demand has reportedly dropped. The mill’s paper towel manufacturing will continue.

Layoffs will be staggered until equipment is fully removed, said spokeswoman Kristi Ward. Still, 280 to 300 jobs are expected to be lost in the end, she said.

“We have been working jointly with the union as we work through contractual issues, severance benefits and assisting impacted employees,” she said in an email.