Tara Mines reopening welcomed with workers due back on site on phased basis by June

There has been a broad welcome to news that a draft agreement has been reached between unions and management that will see Tara Mines reopen this Summer.

Two days of intensive discussions at the Workplace Relations Commission between workers' representatives and Tara Mines parent company, Boliden saw a deal thrashed out that 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.

The new deal will also mean some work is outsourced.

It is expected that the full terms of the deal will be put to workers at a general meeting next week.

SIPTU's John Regan said: "The deal protects core terms and conditions and there will be no compulsory redundancies and staff could return to work expediously."

In a letter issued to all employees, Gunnar Nystrom, 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."

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 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.”

The Aontú leader continued, “I want to commend the work of the Trade Unions, SIPTU,

UNITE and Connect, in their representation of the workers. They have been the only bulwark that has existed between the objectives of the Mines and the rights of the workers. This effort must be congratulated.”

“Now, we must call on Boliden to work in partnership with the workers and the people of Meath, not against them. Tara Mine is a natural resource owned by the people of Ireland, not by a multi-national corporation. It is of vital importance that the Mine is treated as such.”

Local TD and Minister Thomas Byrne welcomed the news that agreement was reached between unions and management at Tara Mines.

“This is positive news for the 650 staff and countless contractors formally 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.