An agreement proposal aimed at reopening the Tara Mines is being voted on by the workers. An assembly held at Simonstown GAA club on Thursday night saw approximately 400 workers in attendance to discuss the proposed number of job cuts, amendments to labour practices, and the envisaged degree of outsourcing. A union representative noted a “lot of anger” during the meeting.
Voting on the proposed agreement began at the Thursday meeting and is set to conclude on Friday. The proposal could result in around 150 job losses, in addition to the nearly 50 positions already eliminated due to retirements, primarily early ones, since the temporary closure of the mine last summer. Adrian Kane, a high-ranking Siptu official, relayed the tension following the meeting, highlighting that the ball was in the court of the union members – Unite and Connect, who also represent company workers, to accept or reject the proposal. He added that what gets discussed in meetings might vary from what individuals decide in the seclusion of a ballot.
All three unions admit that the 600 or so staff may struggle to accept the changes which will have a significant impact, yet they all encourage acceptance. Adrian Kane posed the question, “what’s the alternative?” Stating that the employees clearly desire the mine to reopen, although the proposed changes are substantial.
The proposed deal worked out at the Workplace Relations Commission last week suggests a phased reopening of the mine, owned by the Swedish multinational, Boliden, starting in June. Worker groups would be reintroduced gradually over the subsequent months. The mine was temporarily shut last summer due to the escalating losses that the owners claimed were untenable.
The Irish venture of the company reported a 61% drop in revenues in the previous year, influenced by reduced zinc prices, weaker metal grades, a slump in the US dollar, and decreased production resulting from the cessation of operations.
Though the unions have censured the company for failing to uphold a promise of maintaining all terms and conditions, Mr Kane stated that the arrived-upon agreement would sustain existing pay rates and curtail the extent of outsourcing significantly.