SIPTU, Connect and Unite trade unions have recommended acceptance of proposals brokered early this morning (Saturday, 8th July) at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to provide enhanced support for workers laid off during a temporary closure of Tara Mines in Navan, county Meath. SIPTU TEAC Division Organiser, Adrian Kane, said: “Union representatives engaged in intensive negotiations with management from the mines owners, Boilden, over more than 48 hours at the WRC. These talks have secured improved terms for our members facing lay off during a temporary closure of Tara Mines which is scheduled to commence on 14th July. “The deal is being recommended to our members by all the unions which represent workers in all grades at the mine. The proposals provide a modest retainer allowance for workers who are being laid off. There is also an increase in the number of the people who will be retained for care and maintenance of the mine during its period of closure. “The proposals include a guarantee that workers will return on the same terms and conditions of employment as they had secured when the mine ceases operation.” He added: “The proposals include the terms for a regular engagement between the company and unions in relation to the conditions that will see operations resume. These include a formal review of the situation on 12th October.” SIPTU Sector Organiser, John Regan, said: “While these proposals cannot replace the employment of workers who will be laid off, we have attempted to in some way meditate the hardship that our members and their families will have to endure in the coming months. “The situation at Tara Mines further highlights the issues with the social protection system in Ireland which does not tie support for workers to a percentage of their previous earnings. This social protection system is outside of the European mainstream and unions will continue to campaign for it to be improved.” He added: “Unions will meet with a cross party group of Oireachtas members to fully brief them on the proposals next week. While they will benefit our members the temporary closure of the mine will still have a devasting impact on the local community and we will continue to fight for a wider range of supports for it until the mine resumes full operation.”
Unions to recommend proposals brokered at WRC to assist workers at Tara Mines
