After the defeat of Macronist troops in the legislative elections, the executive branch continued to make decisions impacting the lives of workers. A decree was published in the Official Journal on July 10, just three days after the second round of voting, allowing for the suspension of the weekly rest period in certain agricultural activities. While some parliamentarians from the presidential camp and the right hailed the decision, several unions saw it as a social setback. In principle, every employee has the right to a weekly break of at least thirty-five consecutive hours, but there are exceptions for special events or production constraints. For example, in the rural code, it is stated that the weekly rest period can be suspended “in cases of exceptional circumstances, especially where work cannot be postponed.”
However, this provision was considered vague and has led to legal disputes. In February 2021, Moët Hennessy Champagne Services, owned by the LVMH group, was fined 17,000 euros for not complying with the minimum duration of the weekly rest period for grape pickers. The government, open to revising the regulations, began discussions with players in the champagne production industry three years ago. Four union organizations affiliated with CFDT, CFE-CGC, CGT, and FO wrote to Emmanuel Macron in 2021, expressing full support for the efforts of the Union of Champagne Houses to secure legal recourse for the suspension of the weekly rest period.
The decree, co-signed by the Minister of Agriculture, Marc Fesneau, and his colleague in charge of labor, Catherine Vautrin, published on July 10 is part of a longstanding discussion. It only applies to manual harvests carried out according to specific regulations related to a controlled designation of origin or a protected geographical indication. In these cases, the weekly rest of employees can be suspended once within a thirty-day period and must be taken at another mutually agreed upon time. The narrow scope of the decree ensures that it only affects specific agricultural activities, with limitations on when and how the rest period can be suspended.
The controversy surrounding the decree highlights the ongoing tensions between the government, industry players, and labor unions regarding labor rights in the agricultural sector. While some see the measure as necessary to address exceptional circumstances and production needs, others view it as undermining workers’ rights and protections. The discussions and negotiations that led to the decree show the complexity of balancing the interests of different stakeholders in the agriculture industry, particularly in sectors with specific regulations and certifications like champagne production.
Overall, the publication of the decree allowing for the suspension of the weekly rest period in certain agricultural activities reflects a broader debate about labor rights and regulations in France. The government’s decision to engage with industry stakeholders and unions in crafting the decree demonstrates a willingness to consider the needs and concerns of various parties involved. However, the controversy surrounding the decree underscores the challenges of finding a balance between addressing industry demands and protecting workers’ rights. Moving forward, continued dialogue and collaboration between all stakeholders will be crucial in ensuring fair labor practices in the agricultural sector while also meeting production needs.
