Production at Tara Mines halted as workers mount unofficial blockade

Production at Tara Mines has ceased this evening as workers began an unofficial blockade at the entrances to the Navan facility.

Miners scheduled for the evening shift instead mounted the picket in protest to what they claim is the company's failure to engage with unions on supports while the mine temporarily shuts or the conditions of the planned 'care an maintenance' programme for the mine due to come into effect on 14th July.

Workers manning the picket this evening confirmed to Meath Chronicle that production had ceased and that this unofficial action would continue tomorrow.

Boliden, the owner of Tara Mines in Navan has cited spiralling energy costs and a drop in zinc prices among the reasons for suspending operations at the facility from later this month, resulting in the temporary lay-off of 650 workers. However workers claim they have idea how long the furlough will last and are angry that no additional supports beyond basic social welfare packages have been offered.

One worker with over 35 years service at Tara Mines said when Tara Mines temporarily closed for three months back in 2001 (when it was under the control of Outokumpu), workers were given 'cushion' payments of £1,000 and offers of loans for the same amounts which provided affected staff comfort and reassurance that the facility would reopen. No such offers have been made on this occasion, staff claim.

Mayor of Navan, Cllr Eddie Fennessy met workers on the picket this evening. He described the situation as "extremely worrying" for workers and families and urged the company to actively engage with unions and workers to find a way of supporting them through the temporary closure.

Employment Minister Simon Coveney and Justice Minister Helen McEntee met with trade union representatives on Monday ahead of the temporary closure but its understood no additional measures have been put in place to assist workers ahead of the 'care and maintenance' phase coming into effect.

Speaking yesterday, Siptu sector organiser John Regan said Boliden has yet to present to unions with "a satisfactory outline" of what it envisages providing its employees in terms of a retainer and other payments in the event of a lay-off.

"This is a completely unacceptable situation, and does not bode well in terms of where this dispute is heading,” he said.

Tara Mines has been approached for comment

More to follow...