Tara Mines in Meath has announced it's to temporarily lay off 650 workers. It says the decision was taken to safeguard the long-term future of the company.
Employees were told at a meeting last night it's in response to significant and unsustainable financial losses. Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney says State agencies will be sent to the mine today to assist those affected.
Adrian Kane from SIPTU says the trade union wasn't aware of the decision before the announcement came. "SIPTU members at Tara Mines are deeply disappointed at the news that 650 workers are to be laid off within the next few weeks and the manner by which it was communicated to them this evening," he explained.
"Our members are also concerned that they were not informed in advance of this announcement of temporary lay-offs, without pay, by the company.
"Tara Mines is a critical part of both the local and national economy and we will be engaging with management to discuss how the effects of these lay-offs can be mitigated."
