WATERFORD CRYSTAL:TRADE UNION officials last night recommended Waterford Crystal workers continue their occupation at the Kilbarry plant and support negotiations with KPS Capital after the equity firm offered €10 million to them in lieu of ex-gratia payments.
About 600 workers attended an open branch meeting for Unite trade union members.
No ballot on the offer has taken place yet.
Speaking after the meeting, regional industrial organiser Walter Cullen said: “We need to devise a formula; a mechanism for which that €10 million is going to be allocated in a fair and equitable way.
“We need clarification in relation to jobs . . . we now need to re-engage with the receiver and with KPS.
“Our members are still very angry with the process that they’re in. Nobody was jumping up and down in excitement with the announcement of €10 million when you think of the number of people involved in that.”
Unite’s Irish regional secretary Jimmy Kelly said jobs would need to be saved in the Visitors’ Centre, Gallery and administration functions at Kilbarry.
Said Mr Kelly: “The deal which is on the table at present secures jobs, money for those without jobs and the strong prospect of a long-term manufacturing future for Waterford Crystal in Waterford.”
He said the issue of pension protection is being addressed with Government and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
