SIPTU to meet with Cartamundi management in Waterford next week

SIPTU representatives will hold a formal meeting with the management of Cartamundi in Waterford next week to discuss the proposed closure of the company in August with the loss of almost 240 jobs.

Greg Ennis, SIPTU Manufacturing Division Organiser said: “A meeting took place this morning in Waterford between the local Cartamundi SIPTU Committee and SIPTU organisers to discuss the shocking announcement on Wednesday by Cartamundi, relating to the proposed closure of the employment by the end of August 2023 with the loss of around 234 jobs.

“Following a brief engagement subsequently with Cartamundi management, it was agreed that a formal meeting to discuss the implications of the announcement will take place on Tuesday, 28th March. A general meeting of all SIPTU members in Cartamundi will take place on site immediately after the meeting with management.

“The recent disclosures relating to significant annual dividends being paid to Cartamundi since its takeover from previous owners, Hasbro, in 2015 and the potential viability of the employment will form part of SIPTU’s discussions with management next week.

 “The Union will do all that it can to try to retain jobs at the Cartamundi facility in Waterford. However, should the jobs not be saved the proposed closure will come as a major blow to the workers, their families and the wider Waterford community and will undoubtably have significant economic consequences for the South-East,” Mr Ennis said. 

On Wednesday, workers were told that the plant on the Cork Road in Waterford will close on a phased basis, by the end of August. 

A statement issued on behalf of Cartamundi Group says that the intention to close the factory is the result of structural overcapacity and reduced demand for board games globally post Covid.

"Sales during Covid and through 2021 were strong and peaked mid 2022. The situation has been aggravated by the increase in raw material and energy costs, which has impacted manufacturers globally," it outlined.

The announcement was made to employees at the Waterford plant on Wednesday by David Germis, President of Cartamundi Solutions Division and Barry Morrissey, Managing Director, Cartamundi Ireland.