Workers at Tara Mines hoping to hear timeframe for reopening
Crucial talks are to take place between management and the unions at Tara Mines this week at a review meeting on Thursday.
The mine is currently in care and maintenance mode, with its 650 strong workforce laid off since last July.
SIPTU organiser, John Regan said the workers were disappointed at the company's engagement with them since the closure, but he said the meeting on Thursday would give the company the opportunity to address the workers' financial concerns if the mine is to continue in care and maintenance mode.
"We are of course seeking a date for recommencing work and hope that at Thursday's meeting, we will be able to establish a time for reopening in 2023," he said.
Meanwhile the plight of the Tara Mines workers was raised in the Dail last week. Deputy Johnny Guirke spoke of the potential discontinuation of health insurance coverage for the workers, currently paid by Tara Mines, which is due for renewal on 1st November".
"The workers are apprehensive about the upcoming review meeting on 12th October, where the renewal of the health insurance coverage will be discussed. The workers are also worried about the potential threat to the weekly support payment of €65, as part of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) agreement, currently paid by Boliden Tara Mines," he said.
Deputy Guirke called on the Tánaiste to intervene and offer government support before the review meeting. He stressed the importance of these benefits for the workers and their families, and the potential hardship they could face if the benefits are discontinued. "The workers of Tara Mines have given their sweat and toil to the mine and the community. It is only fair that their health insurance and weekly support payments are secured. I urge the Tánaiste and the government to step in and ensure that these workers are not left in a precarious situation," said Deputy Guirke.
The meeting with the unions will review the WRC Agreement and discuss the payment of healthcare premiums.
Meanwhile a group called Saving Environment of Navan Townlands is planning to run four public consultation meetings over the next month "to discuss concerns about ongoing tailings facility operations, future industrial developments and recent land purchases in our community."
The first meeting is in Donaghpatrick Hall tonight (Tuesday) at 8pm, followed the next week in Wilkinstown Community Centre on Wednesday 18th October. There will be further meetings on Monday October 23rd in Navan Racecourse at 8pm and finally in Halla Baile Ghib on Thursday 26th October also at 8pm.
Spokesperson Larry Henry said that the testing of air and water quality in the area around the tailing facility took place on Monday, with Boliden agreeing to pay for the testing. The results may take some weeks.
He explained that residents were very concerned about the amount of land the mine had purchased in the area in recent months and they fear the company is planning a further extension of the tailings facility.
A spokesperson for Boliden Tara Mines said "We remain engaged with staff and all stakeholders, and will continue to engage with them as has been our longstanding policy."