Tara Mines: Sinn Féin says minister must act if management won't move

TARA MINES management has been accused by Sinn Féin of using the current economic downturn as an excuse to implement lay-offs and pay cuts at Europe’s biggest zinc mine where half of the 700 jobs are under threat.
SIPTU members at the mines, in Navan, County Meath, are angry at a management ultimatum to accept ‘cost-cutting’ plans by Monday week or face the sack for 350 workers.
SIPTU has proposed an alternative rescue plan and, as we go to press, is continuing to press the company to engage in constructive talks.
Sinn Féin Workers’ Rights spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has called on management at Tara Mines to lift the protective notice imposed on their workers and to recommence negotiations with union officials.
“The management of Tara Mines seems to be taking advantage of the current economic downturn to implement lay-offs and pay cuts.
“Management at the company should immediately lift the protective notice and recommence negotiations with union officials. This stand-off, which has been created by the management, will not lead to a resolution of this dispute.
“If the company’s management does not respond quickly to lift the protective notice, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment must intervene.”