Unions believe ‘realistic measures’ can be taken to keep mine open

The Government has been urged "to expedite measures to protect the livelihoods of members employed at Tara Mines and the long-term future of the facility, following a meeting with unions and Ministers yesterday (Monday) afternoon. Trade union representatives met with a government delegation which included the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney, and Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee on Monday afternoon.

SIPTU Division Organiser, Adrian Kane, said: “The meeting was called by unions in order to make clear to the Government that measures must be introduced to safeguard the livelihoods of our members and ensure the long-term future of Tara Mines.

“It was clear from the meeting that the Government is committed to exploring what measures it can take to provide financial assistance to this essential economic asset. "However, due to EU prohibitions on certain types of state aid this will be a complex task and it is extremely unlikely any measures can be in place prior to the scheduled temporary closure of the mine on 14th July.”

“The union representatives also raised the issue of enhanced social protection measures for our members in the event of a lay off situation. Currently, Ireland has a social protection system outside of the European mainstream which does not include a payment of a percentage of a workers’ previous earnings.

“The Government has committed to continuing engagement with unions on these matters which will involve all relevant departments.”

The Connect trade union has called for immediate intervention by the Government.

Connect National Construction Official, Tom Faulkner, said: “The company has rejected union proposals to prevent the temporary closure of the mine. We believe these proposals presented a set of realistic measures which could have maintained the operation of the mine at least until the end of this year, even in present zinc market conditions.

“The proposals necessitate action by the Government also in terms of assisting the financial situation of the mine. Our members are now calling on the Government to immediately take action in this situation in order to ensure every possibility has been exhausted before we accept the temporary closure of the mine.”

“Our members want to see the Government now directly engage with all sides. If the mine does go into a temporary closure situation it will have a disastrous impact on not only our members but the wider North East region and national economy.

“No stone should be left unturned by the Government in attempting to head off the temporary closure of the mine which is now scheduled for 14th July.”

Unite Regional Secretary Susan Fitzgerald said: “Boliden’s decision to suspend operations at Tara Mines indefinitely would have a devastating impact on the workers concerned and the communities they support.

“Immediate pressure must be put on Boliden to give a firm re-opening date, while also continuing to pay workers’ wages during this self-imposed shut-down.

“In the absence of such a commitment, the Government should move immediately to take Tara Mines into public ownership. Unite is calling for immediate and effective Government action to secure jobs and skills, while retaining this critical national asset.

The Mayor of Navan, Cllr Eddie Fennessy said the government needs to step in quickly or we could be faced with a long-term closure and mass unemployment at the mine.

"It would be unforgivable to stand idly by and allow that to happen. The government has a huge responsibility in all of this.

"The government needs to prioritise the welfare of the workers and their families. I urge them to engage with the unions and negotiate a package that will minimise the financial pressure they face."

"It is deeply concerning, not least for the hundreds of families and businesses who are financially dependent on its survival.

"It is disappointing that Boliden have decided to keep the mine closed. That decision will reverberate across the wider community and have a negative impact on the regional economy.

"I commend the unions in particular. They approached the negotiations in a practical manner and made a number of constructive proposals designed to cut costs and save jobs. That Boliden has rejected those proposals is a devastating blow to the workers and their families," he said.