SSaturday morning, market day in Bayonne, the LAB union unfurls a banner in front of the Cafés Ramuntcho establishment. On the cobblestones of the small rue du Pilori, activists stick printed slogans to denounce the treatment of employees by the management of this institution in the commercial landscape: “Let's break the silence”, “Let's fight for our rights”, “Stop the 'exploitation'…
“We are here to support former employees of Cafés Ramuntcho who suffered deplorable working conditions,” summarizes Joana Urruti, private service coordinator for LAB. Four have pushed open the door of the union in recent months to denounce “abnormal practices”. At least three are trying to have the situation recognized in court.
Joana Urruti, private service coordinator for the LAB union, intends to send a message of vigilance to the entire catering sector.
Bertrand Lapègue / SO
“Some don’t have a contract. Or erroneous contracts, which do not correspond to the work actually carried out or the hours worked,” criticizes Joana Urruti. It also lists the absence of salary slips, random schedules, “imposed from one day to the next”, unpaid overtime. “Employees also denounce difficult management. »
“Wage pressure”
Two former employees hold the LAB banner. Anna Mugot Walter is 27 years old, she joined the Ramuntcho café service “a year ago”. She initiated summary proceedings (1) before the industrial tribunal, “to obtain the end of contract documents necessary for the opening of [ses] rights”. Particularly in front of France Travail.
We were treated like we were horrible people
But she formulates grievances other than simply administrative or formal. She mentions, as an example, this moment at the Ham Fair when the cook, “who couldn’t take it anymore,” didn’t show up. “He is also at the industrial tribunal,” she explains. I was asked to take his place at the last minute that day. » She claims to have accepted under pressure from her ex-boss, Marie-Laure Mailharro: “I said I had no skills, but I had to do it. I cut my finger on the slicing machine. »
Bertrand Lapègue / SO
Anna and Taïssir, two former employees of Café Ramuntcho who took their cases to the industrial tribunal.
His testimony outlines a form of “control”, hot and cold treatment where “my little darling” alternates with denigration. “We were treated as if we were horrible people,” breathes the young woman.
His former colleague, Taïssir, 23, is also in court. She corroborates his words. “What we experienced is not normal. We were kept under pressure by salaries. We were paid late, partially. It was 500 euros, then 600. The salaries were not fixed. » Anna Mugot Walter maintains that she was afraid for her housing because of this insecurity in remuneration: “I was in difficulty with my rent. »
“I have confidence in justice”
Marie-Laure Mailharro is on duty inside this Saturday, observing the union demonstration in front of her doors. The director of Café Ramuntcho relies on the courts: “The case is before the industrial tribunal, I have confidence in the courts and I have a very good lawyer. If I've done something wrong, I'll do what needs to be done. If I have something to pay, I will pay. »
She asserts her eighteen years in the position, suggests that she has SMS messages which would refute the employees' accusations. She sees the gathering as “intimidation”. And in the multiple registered letters from former subordinates and their “harassment” advice.
LAB chose this busy day on purpose. “Current, past and future employees are told that they are not alone. We notify the employer. And we send a message to the entire sector,” says Joana Urruti.
(1) Emergency procedure, in court.
Related News :