2024-11-01 14:58:00
A grape harvester takes a break to cool off, during a heatwave, in a champagne vineyard, in Ludes (Marne), September 8, 2023. FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI/AFP
Shifting schedules, technical unemployment, cooling equipment… The recent succession of very hot summers has forced the most exposed sectors to think about their adaptation. If the labor code does not indicate a precise temperature above which it would be appropriate to suspend activity, the National Institute for Research and Safety (INRS) considers that vigilance is necessary from 28°C for physical work, and 30°C for office work. In this case, as in preventing the risks of falling from height or injury from machinery, it is up to the employer to ensure the safety of the employee.
If of the four deaths that occurred during the 2023 harvest in Champagne only one was officially caused by the heat – there was no in-depth investigation for the other three – these concomitant tragedies and their strong media coverage have nonetheless trained locally “general awareness”in the words of Philippe Cothenet, deputy general secretary of the CGT inter-union of champagne employees.
The Interprofessional Champagne Wine Committee thus indicates that it has deployed, in 2024, an action plan to “strengthen the employment conditions of seasonal workers”. He only briefly describes the measures in his written response to Monde : the implementation of a “weather” functionality on its application for sending alerts in real time, in order to“adapt the work schedule of the pickers if necessary”and reminding employers of their obligations – extended break times, provision of fresh water, etc. Meetings were also held in January, under the aegis of the prefect of Marne, to prepare for the 2024 harvest, during which a monitoring unit met daily, including weekends, to“immediate identification of undesirable situations”.
Right to technical unemployment
No casualties have been reported this year. The weather, however, was particularly mild. “There has been improvement, but these are still small improvements, underlines Philippe Cothenet. Rather than training in life-saving actions, we would like to avoid having to resuscitate someone! However, none of our proposals were accepted. »
The main one: stop paying work by the task, by the kilo. “For workers, it is more profitable than payment at the hourly rate, which unfortunately remains at the minimum wage. The problem is that this encourages them not to take a break, even to quench their thirst.deplores the trade unionist. In a sector where a large part of the workforce is foreign, employed by service providers, a “Russian doll” system which, for the CGT, removes responsibility from the principals, is also a struggle against the precariousness that is in question. So are the accommodation conditions. Mr. Cothenet claims to have again observed tent camps during the harvest in September: “In a heatwave, if you don’t have a decent place to sleep and take a cool shower, it worsens your condition for the rest of the day. » In this context, he asks, how can we understand that could the government have authorized this summer, by decree, the abolition of the weekly rest period during the harvest?
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**Interview with Philippe Cothenet, Deputy General Secretary of the CGT Inter-Union of Champagne Employees**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Philippe. The recent heatwaves have significantly impacted the Champagne harvest. Can you share with us how the high temperatures have affected workers in the vineyards?
**Philippe Cothenet:** Thank you for having me. Indeed, the heatwaves we’ve been experiencing have drastically affected working conditions. Our seasonal workers are exposed to extreme temperatures, which not only impacts their health but also their overall safety during the harvest period. We have had to confront several tragic incidents, with four deaths reported during the 2023 harvest, highlighting the urgency of improving our working conditions.
**Interviewer:** It’s devastating to hear about those incidents. What measures are being put in place to ensure the safety of workers during these harsh weather conditions?
**Philippe Cothenet:** The Interprofessional Champagne Wine Committee has launched a comprehensive action plan for the 2024 harvest. This includes the introduction of a new feature on our application that will provide real-time weather alerts, enabling employers to adapt work schedules based on actual conditions. We are also emphasizing extended break times, access to fresh water, and other essentials that are vital for worker safety and comfort.
**Interviewer:** How are employers responding to these recommendations? Is there a sense of urgency to change?
**Philippe Cothenet:** There is a newfound awareness and concern among employers following the media coverage of the recent tragedies. Meetings are being held to ensure that all employers are reminded of their obligations to protect their workers. The prefect of Marne has also initiated discussions to monitor conditions daily during the harvest season. This collective approach is crucial in preventing further incidents.
**Interviewer:** In terms of future adaptations, do you believe the Champagne industry is prepared for the ongoing effects of climate change?
**Philippe Cothenet:** It’s clear that climate change is here to stay, and we need to adapt accordingly. The industry must remain proactive not only in terms of worker safety but also in rethinking our agricultural practices to withstand the extremes of weather we are facing. This is not just about surviving the harvests, but about ensuring the long-term health of the vineyards and the people who work in them.
**Interviewer:** What message would you like to send to both workers and consumers regarding this topic?
**Philippe Cothenet:** For workers, I want to emphasize the importance of speaking up about unsafe conditions—your health matters. For consumers, I hope they can understand the challenges we face and appreciate the effort and care that goes into producing Champagne. Supporting policies and practices that prioritize worker safety and sustainability is vital for the future of our industry.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Philippe. It’s imperative that we all work together to address these pressing issues.
**Philippe Cothenet:** Thank you for shedding light on this important topic. Together, we can make meaningful changes for a safer and more sustainable future.
