Tara Mines workers to vote on proposals to avoid closure

Workers at Tara Mines have decided to vote next week over whether or not to accept a set of proposals aimed at avoiding the closure of the plant. Management at the company have said that the Mines will close at the end of the month if the proposals are not agreed to. The productivity deal includes 10-hour shifts in the mine, which is causing most concern amongst staff.

Last July, the closure of Tara Mines was narrowly averted after negotiations over a productivity deal. However, management and unions interpreted this deal in different ways, causing further problems. This led to a new set of proposals last November. The company has agreed to the November proposals and members of SIPTU met today to decide their position.

One of the workers' main sticking points is the introduction of a ten-hour shift in the mine, which they believe is too long. Union members today agreed to ballot their members this week. The result will be passed to management on Friday. On the management side, the company claims to be losing £1m a month. It says that continued absenteeism has resulted in the mines operating at only 60% capacity. The company has given unions until 24 January to come up with a decision.