A crucial vote among workers at Tara Mines, located in Navan, Co Meath, has commenced regarding a new agreement aimed at reopening the facility, which has been closed since last July. Hundreds of workers, who were temporarily laid off, gathered at a general meeting last night to deliberate on the proposed deal.
The deal, mediated by the Workplace Relations Commission and endorsed by unions including SIPTU, Unite, and Connect, aims to maintain core pay and conditions while introducing changes to work practices. Boliden, the mine's owner, is also seeking about 150 voluntary redundancies as part of the restructuring process.
If approved, the mine is expected to commence a phased reopening starting in June, anticipated to extend over six months. This decision follows a challenging period marked by significant layoffs due to what Boliden describes as unsustainable losses influenced by declining zinc prices, inflation, and high energy costs.
John Regan of SIPTU expressed the weight of the decision facing workers, emphasizing the protection of core pay and conditions despite some concessions. A review of the agreement is scheduled after 12 months.
The ballot began last night and will conclude with a vote count on May 3.
