"Constructive" talks at mine

As critical talks aimed at averting the closure of Tara Mines ended yesterday, Boliden Tara Mines has described the meetings as "constructive" and pledged to review proposals put forward by the the trade unions.

With tensions mounting for the 650 Tara Mines staff facing the dole queues, the group of unions at the mine and management had been locked in talks on Monday and Tuesday, aimed at averting a planned temporary closure which has sent shock waves through the local community.

The SIPTU, UNITE and CONNECT Trade Unions have put forward cost saving measures aimed at reversing the company's shock decision last week to place the mine under 'care and maintenance', laying off most of the 650 workers.

"We will now review the proposals and provide a full and considered response to the trade unions at the earliest opportunity," according to a statement from the company .

"We thank the representatives for the proposals and the constructive approach they have taken."

Last week the company announced that "due to a combination of factors, the Tara mine in Ireland will be placed under 'care and maintenance'. The decision meant that production and exploration would cease temporarily at the mine and workers would be laid off.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, John Regan said the unions had put forward proposals which would give the the company cost savings in the short term, the medium term and long term.

"Our proposals would give immediate savings and solve long term problems," he said.

"We will give them as long as they need to consider the proposals and we are available at any time if they need clarification on anything."

Mr Regan said that the unions would also try to engage with the government in relation to what they can do to assist in preventing the closure.

In a joint statement the UNITE and CONNECT unions urged management to engage constructively with the proposals put forward by their members – "the workers who have made Tara Mines the successful operation it is today."

“Both local management and the management of Tara Mines’ Swedish parent company Boliden should be in no doubt that, while we are engaging in this process, Unite and Connect are also continuing to explore all other avenues to keep Tara Mines open and protect our members’ terms and conditions.

“Unite and Connect also reiterate our position that any grants from the Irish government or the EU must be made contingent on Boliden reversing its decision to suspend operations at Tara Mines”.

Connect National Construction Official, Tom Faulkner, said: "We have tabled a set of proposals which we believe can save the business, maintain the earnings of our members and prevent a massive economic shock to the surrounding region.

“These proposals involve action by workers, the company and the Government that would lead to cost reductions in the operation of the mine. It is essential that they are acted upon swiftly in order to minimise the threat to the operation of the mine and the adverse impact this is having on workers, their families and the wider community.”

He added: “In the talks process union representatives made clear the willingness of workers to move to ensure this situation has a positive outcome. The proposals we tabled cover a wide range of issues and include requests of the mines owners, Boliden, and the Government to play their part in working to maintain operations.”

Connect General Secretary, Paddy Kavanagh, said: “Tara Mines is a crucial part of the economic infrastructure of the north-east region and beyond. This mine provides employment for a highly skilled and committed workforce which takes pride in its operation.

“The operation of a mine is not something that can switched off and on like a light. "Our members believe it is crucial that operations are maintained on an ongoing basis in Tara Mines and that positive moves are made by its multinational owners and the Government to prevent the degrading of the facility which will occur even during a short period of closure.”

He added: “Our members and their colleagues in the other unions wish to do everything possible to keep the pumps and lights on in Tara Mines. It is now up to the both the Swedish based senior management of Boliden and the Government to swiftly consider the trade union proposals and play their role in ensuring the future of this vital economic asset.”