Union to meet as workers feel strain at Waterford Crystal sit-in

MEMBERS of the UNITE trade union at Waterford Crystal have been asked to attend a meeting this weekend to be briefed by their union officials on more developments regarding the company’s sale.

Last month, Waterford Wedgwood’s Irish and British subsidiaries, including Waterford Crystal, were bought by private US equity firm KPS Capital Partners and it is understood contracts are due to be signed very soon.

The workers’ sit-in at the Waterford Crystal manufacturing plant in Kilbarry is about to enter its eighth week. Meanwhile, behind-closed-doors meetings are understood to be continuing between members of a private interest group, headed by Waterford-based architect and businessman Nicky Fewer, regarding a business plan they intend to propose to KPS Capital Partners which aims to keep manufacturing in the city.