A total of 650 workers have been temporarily laid off at Tara Mines.
The sudden decision has been slammed as politicians have demanded an explanation for the news that has sent "shockwaves" through Meath and Louth. Labour TD Ged Nash said: "An explanation is required from the company as to why they took a sudden and unilateral decision, without any consultation with the trade unions, to press the nuclear button on lay-offs rather than explore short-time work arrangements.
“Expressions of surprise from government at this devastating news demands further interrogation when the trade unions have made it clear that various forms of assistance were being sought by government over the last six months." Deputy Nash said that the company needs to elaborate on the "operational challenges" they are facing.
He added: "[They need to] spell out precisely what support they have asked for and what assistance they require to avoid this scenario. Workers at Tara Mines have always shown themselves to be more than flexible when it comes to assisting the company through difficult trading periods."
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He said the last time there were major layoffs at Tara Mines, the previous owners guaranteed the maintenance of pay and conditions to returning workers. "The current owners must do the same, if layoffs cannot be avoided.
“For three years now, this government has ignored Labour’s repeated calls for the introduction of a German-style short-time working scheme to assist workers and companies through challenging periods. This would involve a government and employer co-funded short-term work scheme where workers receive a high percentage of their pre-layoff income for a period of time, supported by the State and company resources."
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