Tara Mines workers commence voting on new deal that would pave the way to June reopening

Voting on a deal which would see the reopening of Tara Mines this summer, along with a resumption of work on the new Tara Deep ore body, began last night (Thursday, 25th April).

The Tara Mines Group of Unions have recommended to its members that they accept a set of proposals agreed last week with management at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) that will allow for a swift reopening of the mine.

According to management the deal, which involves up to 170 redundancies, will also enable a recommencement of work on the new ore body, Tara Deep, “which has the potential to substantially extend the life of the mine and ensure that we provide large-scale employment in the Navan area for decades to come.”

400 workers convened at a general meeting in the Simonstown GAA Centre and balloting began and will conclude with a count on Friday 3rd May in the Dan Shaw Centre.

In a letter to staff last week, management spoke of the potential of Tara Deep, which could substantially extend the life of the mine for decades to come.

In 2023 parent company, Boliden said that at full production, current reserves at Tara Mines would be depleted by 2027. However, it’s planning to spend tens of millions of euro to unlock the potential of Tara Deep, pushing the depth of the mine to as much as 1.9km.

SIPTU's John Regan said: “It is our expectation that there will be no delays in resuming development of Tara Deep if the proposals are accepted, and that tunnelling and exploration could recommence within weeks.”

He said that they had been told that the parent company Boliden will be responsible for bringing the Tara Deep project into operation.

The deal which was reached following two days of intensive discussions at the Workplace Relations Commission last week will allow production resume at the Navan facility after nine months in care and maintenance.

The mines shut last July with the loss of 650 workers temporarily laid off. Approximately 50 workers have since taken early retirement with a number of others leaving permanently.

At that time Boliden said it took the decision to halt production and shutter the mine due to unsustainable losses and cited factors including a decline in the price of zinc, inflation and energy costs.

It is understood this new agreement involves a gradual reopening of the zinc mine and will also see the need for up to 170 voluntary redundancies bringing the total staff headcount down to just over 400. Unions have secured redundancy terms of five weeks per year of service capped at two years, as well as core pay for the remaining workforce, with bonuses and other payments to be negotiated.

The new deal will also mean some work is outsourced.

SIPTU's John Regan said the temporary closure of Tara Mines was a body blow to workers, their families and communities but there is now light at the end of the tunnel.

“The set of proposals allow for a return to work of our members with their core terms and conditions of employment protected.

“For those who decide upon a voluntary redundancy package, they now have an enhanced offer from the company. The proposals also confirm that there will be no compulsory redundancies.”

“We want to express our sincere appreciation to WRC chairperson, Mary Dooley, for her dedication and support in facilitating this complex talks process. The workers, who have faced nine difficult months relying on social welfare benefits, will now have the opportunity to consider the proposals in detail.”

The Tara Mines Group of Unions includes SIPTU, Connect and Unite trade unions.

Unite regional officer Brian Hewitt said: “Notwithstanding the improved terms secured by unions, the voluntary redundancies envisaged in the proposed agreement represent a major blow to workers and the local economy.

“Unions have succeeded in protecting the core pay of the remaining workforce and Unite will be working in the coming weeks to maximise bonuses and productivity payments for our members.

“If the agreement is accepted by workers, we would urge Boliden to set a firm date for the re-opening to be completed, and to give workers an assurance that the company is committed to Tara Mines’ long-term future”.

In a letter issued to all employees, Gunnar Nystrom (right), general manager at Tara Mines said he was pleased to confirm an agreement on a set of proposals with the Group of Unions would now be presented to employees for ballot.

These proposals will, if accepted, enable the mine to re-open.

“Upon acceptance, It will take some time for the operation to resume in full, but our intention is to commence the re-opening process immediately on acceptance of the deal. We will then bring employees back to work on a phased basis.

“We believe that the proposals that has been agreed is the best possible in light of the continuing external market challenges. It will allow the mine to re-open on a basis that is financially sustainable, safeguarding the long-term future of the operation here.

“I am well aware of how difficult the last few months have been for all of you, and your families. None of the decisions that we have made have been made lightly.

“These proposals will result in changes to the operation at Tara, but it will enable us to put an end to the uncertainty that has existed in recent months. I know that some of you wish to avail of the proposed voluntary severance scheme, and as part of the new agreement, we have agreed with the GoU that the terms on offer under the scheme will be enhanced for those who decide to take this option. I would also like to place on record our appreciation to the WRC for their invaluable assistance to the parties within the extensive negotiation process.

“This deal will also enable us to recommence our work on Tara Deep, which has the potential to substantially extend the life of mine and ensure that we provide large-scale employment in the Navan area for decades to come.”

News of the deal has been warmly welcomed across the county.

In a social media post, Justice Minister and Meath East TD, Helen McEntee said: “Promising news over night about Tara Mines. Workers will be updated about an agreement reached at the Work Place Relations Commission (WRC).

“Thanks to all workers and your families for your perseverance in this very difficult situation. A solution is in sight.”

Meath Co Council Cathaoirleach, Tommy Reilly said: “I am delighted for the workers and their families. This is a big boost to the county and hopefully we will soon be back to where we were in previous years.”

Meath West TD, Peadar Toibin said: “The reopening of Tara Mines is a necessity for the people of Meath. For the 650 workers laid off in July of last year, this deal is the first step in their return to work. We hope that the terms and conditions for the workers are just and fair.

“For too long already the rights of these workers have been cast aside. Tara Mines must be opened on the basis of the work of staff being properly recognised.”

Minister Thomas Byrne said it was positive news for the 650 staff and countless contractors who formally were employed in the Mines.

“This news now paves the way for the Mines to reopen, albeit on a phased basis from June.

“I want to pay tribute to the Unions who worked tirelessly to reach this agreement and indeed the WRC who were committed to facilitating this agreement between both sides.”