Unions wait on Boliden response to cost-cutting plans at Tara Mines

Unions at Tara Mines are hoping that management will respond to their cost saving proposals this week.

The SIPTU, UNITE and CONNECT Trade Unions have been told by management that they will respond by the middle of this week.

Proposals put to management during crucial talks last week were aimed at reversing the company's shock decision to place the mine under 'care and maintenance', laying off most of the 650 workers.

Boliden Tara Mines described last week's talks as "constructive" and pledged to review proposals put forward by the Unions.

In a shock move two weeks ago, 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 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.

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."

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: “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.”