Company ultimatum angers Siptu members

THERE WAS much anger among some 250 workers who met behind closed doors in Navan, Co Meath last night to discuss options for employees at the troubled Tara Mines.

At the meeting of Siptu members and officials, the employees were particularly annoyed by a letter sent to their homes by Tara Mines shortly before Christmas.

The change from a three to a four shift cycle was another concern for workers. They felt it was unsustainable, particularly if someone was sick.

In a letter to Tara Mines before Christmas, Siptu said this change of roster would result in a 13 per cent loss of productivity for the company and almost 100 hours of work lost for each worker per year.

Many members felt the company was "bulldozing ahead" with their proposals and had not listened to employees during December meetings.

Siptu leaders Gerry McCormack, Anton McCabe and John Regan outlined to workers the union's alternatives for saving the mine.

The members were also given details of a meeting between unions and Tara Mines management before Christmas.

In a letter to Tara Mines on December 17th, Mr Regan said the union was not satisfied with how the management side gave an ultimatum to workers and Siptu outlined union proposals on pay, pensions and rosters.

Workers were shown a response on December 19th from Magnus Arnqvist, managing director of parent company Bolidan, who outlined the company's economic position and said full implementation of the company's terms must be reached by January 19th or the mine would be put on care and maintenance.