Angry workers force entry into hotel to confront reluctant Tánaiste

WATERFORD CRYSTAL workers, angry with the Government because they have not received their statutory entitlements, forced their way into a city hotel during a business conference yesterday after Tánaiste Mary Coughlan avoided them by entering the building through a rear entrance.

Ms Coughlan, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, was in the city to deliver the keynote address to more than 100 business leaders and entrepreneurs at the Waterford Chamber conference, Innovate to Compete.

Meanwhile, up to 70 angry workers, mainly attached to trade union Unite, waited with placards and banners at the steps of the Tower Hotel entrance on The Mall for her arrival at lunchtime yesterday.

However, the workers were further angered to learn that Ms Coughlan had entered through the rear of the building in order to avoid them at the front entrance.

There were angry scenes as the crystal workers pushed their way into the hotel when a garda’s attempts to hold them back failed.

Garda backup arrived and sealed off the entrance to the conference room and stairs, while hotel security staff vetted those using the elevator.

The Minister went on to deliver her speech, as a peaceful demonstration continued in the foyer of the hotel.

A delegation from Unite went upstairs to meet Ms Coughlan to air their grievances with the Government.

The sacked workers are angry that they have not yet received their statutory redundancy payments, more than 100 days after being sacked by the company.

Yesterday’s development occurred less than four months after the workers seized control of the gallery showrooms, after the appointed receiver, David Carson of Deloitte, ceased manufacturing when available cash dried up. For seven weeks the workers occupied the showrooms until they voted to adopt a plan after the brand was sold to equity firm KPS.

Part of this deal meant that KPS would give €10 million to workers in lieu of ex-gratia payments.

However, this is to be divided up between more than 800 workers and former workers, who will get a fraction of their entitlements, while the Government has not yet paid out statutory money owed, according to trade union officials representing the workers.

Unite regional organiser Walter Cullen said the union was given a “clear commitment” that payments would be made within four to six weeks of receipt of claims at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.