Trade unions at Waterford Wedgwood have met management following the announcement that the luxury goods firm has gone into receivership.
The company, which employs 800 people in Ireland, is known for its Waterford and Royal Doulton crystal, and Wedgwood pottery.
Waterford Crystal said in a statement this morning that “exhaustive efforts” had been made to restructure the businesses in recent times. However, the failure to find a buyer and challenging trading conditions have led the firm to appoint a receiver.
Unite trade union’s regional secretary Jimmy Kelly described this morning’s announcement as “devastating” for workers at the troubled firm. He said that every effort must be taken to save jobs.
“Certainly, the brand is obviously one that has been built up since practically the foundation of the State and we see that as something that should be protected for the future to maintain as many jobs as possible in Waterford,” said Mr Kelly.
The union, which represents the majority of employees at Waterford Wedgwood, met with management earlier today to discuss the situation. Unite officials will brief workers at the Kilbarry plant this afternoon.
Further meetings between unions and management are schedueled to take place before the end of the week in order that the workforce be kept fully up to date with how things are progressing.
“Unite officials have been assured that the company will be maintained as a going concern for as long as is possible,” said Mr Kelly. “The union will work closely with any prospective purchasers of the business so as to ensure we save the maximum number of quality jobs.”
Fine Gael called on the Government to do everything in its power to find a buyer for the Waterford Wedgwood Group.
“The news that the Waterford Wedgwood Group has gone into receivership is not something that should simply be accepted by the Fianna Fáil Government but should be acted upon. The preservation of the Waterford
Crystal factory in the city is something the Government needs to take seriously as it has represented an integral part of Waterford and its people for generations," said Fine Gael Waterford TD John Deasy.
The Labour Party said this afternoon that Waterford Wedgwood should be sold a a going concern.
"No stone must be left unturned by the receiver, or by the various state agencies to ensure that the company is sold as a going concern and I am encouraged to some extent that the receiver has said that this will be a priority," said Labour Party Waterford TD Brian O'Shea.
"The worst outcome of this situation would be that the company be asset-stripped and the break-up of the company should be avoided at all costs," he added.
Separately, the mayor of Waterford Jack Walsh said today’s announcement was “a national disaster".
“Waterford Crystal is a huge national brand and its importance goes beyond even the manufacturing plant in Waterford. It is not just the workers at Waterford Crystal that are affected by this. Nationally it’s the whole hospitality industry as well,” he said.
Mr Walsh said that while the first priority must be to secure a viable future for the company it was important to acknowledge that over 300,000 tourists visit Waterford every year. He said the possible loss of one of its main attractions would have huge implications.
“Waterford Crystal is one of only a handful of iconic Irish brands and the gallery and the visitor centre at Kilbarry is among the most popular visitor attractions in the country. Given this, it is of major strategic importance that this company not be allowed slip in to oblivion."
Mr Walsh called for a united effort across the public and private sectors to help secure the future of Waterford Crystal as a significant Irish employer.
“While we have to be realistic about the global trading environment and how this impacts on international companies like Waterford Wedgwood, it is incumbent on all of us who care about Waterford to work together to fight for Waterford Crystal’s future," he said.
"In this united effort, I include public representatives and State agencies as well as the private sector as we all have a role to play in supporting the company and workforce at this difficult time."
