Scuffles as Waterford workers take to protest to capital

Minor scuffles broke out today as a handful of current and former Waterford Crystal workers brought protests over the iconic firm’s threatened closure to Dublin.

Two of the demonstrators were granted a short face-to-face meeting with senior executives at consultancy firm Deloitte as its receiver David Carson continued efforts to secure a buyer for the troubled glass maker.

Up to 60 employees were preparing for the fifth night of a sit-in at the renowned Kilbarry factory and visitor centre as demands grow for it to be nationalised.

Tom Hogan, a retired glass cutter and official with trade union Unite, said employees were angered over plans for an end to manufacturing and a possible 480 lay-offs.

“We’ve left them in no doubt about how we feel about their actions,” he said.

Around a dozen people stormed the Dublin headquarters of accountancy firm Deloitte, which was appointed to handle the receivership of the troubled glass making company last month.

Senior management stepped in and offered representatives the chance to air grievances face-to-face, while protestors picketed the lobby.

No arrests were made and a spokesman for Deloitte said it was a peaceful protest.

Mr Hogan, who travelled up from Waterford with the protestors, vowed the sit-in at the factory would continue until the future of hundreds of jobs is guaranteed.

He called on the Government to nationalise the iconic company if attempts to find a buyer failed.

“We emphasised to them we won’t be going away anywhere soon,” said Mr Hogan, who left the company after 43 years last July.

“We’re in for the long haul. If no prospective buyer turns up, we expect this Government to take this into public ownership on behalf of the people of the south-east region and the country and provide employment in that whole area.”

A Deloitte spokesman declined to comment on the possibility of a rescue package being agreed with potential investors from the US-based Clarion group.

Negotiations were continuing, he said.

Members of Clarion, which is believed to have the backing of Waterford Crystal former chief executive John Foley, and Local Government Minister Martin Cullen visited the Kilbarry plant yesterday.

Pat Phelan, a former Waterford Crystal worker and Unite shop steward, also demanded more than €5m owed to workers who left the company before Christmas be paid.

“Unless that is done, we are not going away,” Mr Phelan said.