Waterford Crystal workers stage sit-in over impending bankruptcy

By Associated Press Published: Jan 30, 2009 at 9:08 AM PST
Waterford Crystal workers stage sit-in over impending bankruptcy
A Waterford Wedgwood shop is seen in central London, Monday Jan. 5, 2009.

DUBLIN, Ireland (AP) - Waterford Crystal workers have mounted a sit-down protest in their world-famous factory after union leaders informed them that the debt-crippled company is closing immediately.

More than 200 workers are refusing to leave the factory until the British receivers handling Waterford Wedgwood's bankruptcy proceedings reverse the decision to close the factory Friday.

Workers have clashed with guards blocking them from one entrance, smashing at least one window before police intervened.

Labor union official Walter Cullen says officials negotiating the sale or disposal of the company have told him that Waterford Wedgwood has run out of money to pay the wages of its remaining 650 Irish employees.

Two U.S. private equity firms remain in talks seeking potential terms for buying parts of the company.

 

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