SIPTU members to discuss job fears at Tara Mines

SIPTU members working at Tara Mines in Co Meath are due to hold a meeting in Navan later today to discuss renewed fears about possible job losses at the facility.

Some 370 workers were placed on protective notice at the mine yesterday.

The company, which has been hit by falling zinc prices and the weak US dollar, wants unions to agree new cost-cutting measures within the next two weeks.

It wants to postpone pay increases, cut working hours, cap bonuses and halt recruitment as part of a survival plan.

SIPTU has put forward alternative proposals, but claims the company is not engaging in any meaningful negotiations.

There are fears of job losses among the 700-strong workforce if agreement cannot be reached.