Unions at Tara Mines have agreed to attend today's Labour Court hearing into a dispute which threatens the future of the company's mining operations and 600 jobs in the Navan area.
The court invited both sides to a meeting after talks between management and the unions broke down on Tuesday.
Yesterday, SIPTU regional secretary Mr Jack O'Connor, who represents the majority of the workforce, said he was "very concerned". He said the unions were disappointed the LRC talks had failed to bridge the gap between the sides. The talks failed after 17 hours, when the company refused to amend rationalisation proposals which had been recommended for acceptance by the unions, but were rejected by 300 miners and general operatives.
The company has confirmed it would attend the talks, but did not wish to comment before the hearing. The company has told the workforce it will unilaterally introduce alternative cost-cutting measures to secure the long-term viability of the mine from February 1st, if the workers continue refusing to accept the terms endorsed by union representatives.
Other employees at Tara accepted the plan recommended by the unions. Under it productivity was to increase by 25 per cent and costs cut by around 14 per cent, but employees would have had current earnings guaranteed. Average pay is £30,000 a year, with miners earning up to £50,000.