Hopes rise of saving jobs at Waterford Crystal

Hundreds of workers are set to spend a fourth day occupying the Waterford Crystal factory in the hope that a bid from a second US-based consortium could save hundreds of jobs.

Trade union Unite backed the offer from Clarion Capital claiming it would maintain manufacturing in the city and retain some 300 positions.

Government minister and Waterford TD Martin Cullen said Clarion made a substantial bid late Saturday night and has a deep interest in maintaining the Waterford plant.

Unite – which represents around 90% of staff – yesterday briefed hundreds of workers at the Kilbarry plant on proposals from KPS Capital Partners and Clarion.

Both investment groups had been in negotiations with Deloitte receiver David Carson over the company.

Unite regional secretary Jimmy Kelly said they were encouraged by Clarion’s bid.

Current and former employees have been protesting inside the factory’s visitors’ centre since Friday when they heard that more than half of the 670-strong workforce were to be made redundant and operations were to halt until a buyer is found.

Workers are occupying the factory on a shift basis and have maintained a presence of more than 100 since they first stormed the building on Friday amid scuffles with security guards.

Local shops have been supplying them with food and drink while blankets and sleeping bags have also been brought inside.

Some 60 workers are remaining in the visitor centre overnight and will be joined by more staff today, bringing the number to over 200.

The union has encouraged staff due to report for work today to do so.