ATGWU reports 'huge anger' at job losses

The Amalgamated Trade & General Workers Union (ATGWU) said there was huge anger at the news the Waterford Crystal plant in…

The Amalgamated Trade & General Workers Union (ATGWU) said there was huge anger at the news the Waterford Crystal plant in Dungarvan was being shut down.

The ATGWU represents around 350 of the 485 staff affected by the restructuring plans by parent company Waterford Wedgewood.

Workers held a meeting in Dungarvan this morning, which, according to the union's regional organiser Walter Cullen saw major resentment among workers.

"We have heard no further details from management as to how these cuts will be implemented but the workers at Waterford Crystal have been treated in a very disrespectful manner by senior management," he said.

READ MORE

"There has been virtually no communication with our members from management. There has been no rescue package put forward or no salvage plans for the plant. The plug has simply been pulled on the workers here at Waterford Crystal in Dungarvan."

Mr Cullen said the union would not accept any restructuring plan unless it was carried out with the full support of its members.

He also said there was suspicion among the remaining workforce at the Waterford Crystal plant in Waterford that there were further cutbacks and redundancies in the pipeline.