The closure of Tara mines is “biting very hard” local communities in and around Navan, SIPTU has said.
In June, the County Meath mine announced it would be temporarily laying off some 650 workers in order to balance the books.
The surging price of energy and plummeting global demand for zinc meant the mine was no longer profitable.
SIPTU has been in talks with Boliden Group, who own the mine, but as yet there is no indication when the mine might reopen.
“We have put that question to company management on numerous occasions at this stage,” SIPTU Divisional Organiser Adrian Kane said.
“They will not commit to a date, nor an indicative date.
“So, at this stage what we have done is that we have aired a totality of issues between us and [gone] back to the WRC commission.”
In a statement to Newstalk, Tara Mines said they had continue to engage with unions of the re-opening of the mine, which they hope could happen in a "timely" manner.
"Ultimately the re-opening of the mine will be heavily influenced by external market conditions, but the development of the rescue plan, which is within our control, will help to expedite the process," a spokesperson said.
"Our focus is on the development of a plan that will ensure re-opening can take place as soon as conditions allow. We will continue to engage locally with the unions throughout this process."
Economic impact
Temporarily laid off workers are entitled to social welfare payments and the company is giving them an additional €65 per week as a retainer fee.
Despite this, Mr Kane said many are struggling to make ends meet.
“We’re getting closer to Christmas as well,” SIPTU Divisional Organiser Adrian Kane said.
“And I think it’s really biting very hard, not just for our members and their families but for Navan and the entire north-east region.
“We have put measures on the table to put economic efficiencies to working in the mine.
“But at this stage the company needs to reciprocate.”
SIPTU is urging TDs to support an increase in Jobseeker’s Benefit to 70% of someone’s average earnings in their last job, capped at €550 a week.
Main image: An aerial view of Tara Mines, Navan, Co Meath.
