Workers at Tara Mines will meet with members of the Oireachtas at lunchtime to voice their concern at the temporary closure of the mines at the end of the week. 650 staff are due to be temporarily laid off for an indefinite period as part of plans by the mines owners to cut costs.
Unions and Management at the mine attended the Workplace Relations Commission in an effort to resolve their dispute over the plans. Workers are currently voting on proposals agreed at the WRC.
SIPTU Divisional Organiser Adrian Kane says he expects a result of the ballot tomorrow. "We had a very large general meeting on Monday night in which we went through those proposals with members. So, that balloting is currently underway and we should have a result on that some time on Thursday," he added.
Meanwhile, the closure of the mine will effect over 2,000 jobs in the region. TD for Meath West and Aontu Leader, Peadar Tóibin says there are significant workers' rights issues in terms of income protections that need to be resolved.
He says the Government has a role in terms of the price of electricity and supports that can be given to businesses to help them survive during the cost of living crisis. Deputy Tóibin has written to TD's and Senators calling on them to come out and support Tara Mines workers at the gates of Leinster House today.
