SIPTU wants management at Tara Mines in Meath to look at alternatives to laying off staff.
The union is to start intensive talks with bosses today, after its temporary closure, affecting 650 staff.
They'll discuss the impact this will have on the workers, the wider community and the economy.
Meath West TD Johnny Guirke says the Government needs to help these workers too:
He said: "It's very important that these jobs are protected at all costs. That's why we need high engagement even from Government.
"Something needs to be done with the cost of energy - it needs to be done.
"Government needs to be involved in these talks at a high level.
"Anything that can be done should be done to ensure that as many of these jobs is saved and that workers get back to work as soon as possible".
