More temporary jobs may go at crystal plant due to Iraqi war

MORE temporary staff could lose their jobs at the country’s largest crystal manufacturers as war in Iraq spurs a global downturn in luxury good sales.

Up to 20 temporary workers were put on a week’s notice at Waterford Crystal yesterday. Fears are growing among union leaders at the company that further temporary jobs will go as global orders for crystal fall.

A company spokesman said temporary contracts allow it to expand and contract supply in response to market demand. He said while the layoffs were unfortunate, the staff will be re-employed when demand for Waterford Crystal’s world-renowned product picks up.

Last March, Waterford Wedgwood revealed it couldn’t rule out a return to short-term working for its 1,600 staff. Group chief executive Redmond O’Donoghue said the company was increasing its market share, is reducing its debts and will make a profit this year.

But the worsening economic situation worldwide and the war in Iraq could force it to return to short-term working, he said. The company, which has plants in Dungarvan and Waterford city, also put its staff on short-term working two years ago and 100 voluntary redundancies were announced in March of 2001. Performance in the first two months of this year has not met expectations, Mr O’Donoghue said. His comments come in the wake of a profits warning and a 13% dip in share value in the first week of March.