The Workers’ Party has called for a renewed effort to save all the remaining jobs in Waterford Crystal and to ensure the long-term employment of the current workforce through government investment in the company.

Councillor Davy Walsh said he will be putting an urgent resolution to Waterford City Council calling on the local authority to support the party’s proposal to provide the necessary funding by taking a share in the company.  He would also call on City Council and all other relevant bodies in the region to pressurise Waterford Wedgwood and the government to pursue the option of using state agencies to provide the necessary funds, not as a bail-out, but as a strategic investment in the Waterford Crystal brand and in the region.

“The government has made it clear to the company that it has not closed the door to funding.  The Workers’ Party believes that the government should come out more clearly with the options available and we would also call on the state to ensure that its funds would be ring-fenced by seeking a share option.  If Waterford Wedgwood cannot agree to this option then their long-term commitment to manufacturing in Waterford must be very doubtful”

20th May 2008