‘Absolutely devastated... What job is left for me? I’m 52’

ONCE an economic powerhouse of the south-east and a source of pride for the entire country, because of the quality of its jobs and the reputation which its products enjoyed worldwide, Waterford Crystal is becoming a shadow of its former self.

With thousands of manufacturing jobs soon to be reduced to about 70, those left making crystal in the Kilbarry site will be part of a total workforce of just 200 — a far cry from the 3,000-plus employees at the company’s peak.

Now the jobs are elsewhere, in places like Slovenia and Germany, Poland and Hungary, Brazil and Romania.

“Absolutely devastated,” said long-term employee Bob Saunders yesterday. “What job is left for me? I’m 52.”

Working at the glass factory since the age of 16, Bob, from Rosbercon in New Ross, described the mood in the canteen yesterday as “very glum” when management dealt the latest hammer blow to employment in Waterford.

“We knew it was coming, but we’re just sick at the way we’ve been treated. It’s all just for the investors to get their money back.”

The history of crystal-making in Waterford goes back to 1783 when a factory was founded by George and William Penrose who then shipped their wares around the world from the port. Its centuries-long link to the city has remained a source of pride locally, with workers proud to have earned their living from the company.

Ian Paul, who worked in Waterford Crystal for 43 years, said it was a “very sad” day for the people involved and for the area.

“That’s a hell of a lot of income that’s gone, and a hell of a lot of tax and PRSI over the years that have gone to the Government, and the Government haven’t given us anything back whatsoever.”

The Government’s refusal to underwrite a €39m bank loan earlier in the year was “detrimental” to the company’s future, Mr Paul said.

Local independent councillor and former employee John Halligan voiced the anger felt by many.

“The Government had the opportunity to bail the company out by guaranteeing loans and they chose not to. When you look at the amount of people that have gone on social welfare from the glass factory, and could be on it for the rest of their working lives, and put that against the investment that was needed . . . We have a minister here and two Fianna Fáil TDs and you’d wonder what sort of influence they have at all with the Government.”