Around ten shepherds mobilized this Thursday, November 21 in front of the premises of the (Directorate of Employment, Labor, Solidarity and Population Protection) in Digne-les-Bains.
Better working conditions, a decent salary, compensation for their equipment and their dog, housing that meets legal standards… The shepherds of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence are at their wits' end and are following a national movement. This Thursday, November 21, around ten of them mobilized in front of the premises of the DDETSPP (Directorate of Employment, Labor, Solidarity and Population Protection) in Digne-les-Bains.
Their goal? Make yourself heard, but above all make sure things are moving and quickly. They believe that their demands have not been taken into account for four years now. Problems which should, subsequently, be escalated to the prefect and up to the Ministry of Labor according to them.
“We are no longer going to be silent,” protests Jean-Christophe Guichaoua, member of the herd guardians’ union, following a joint meeting with the DDET.
Agricultural employers who do not respect the labor code
During this meeting, no breeder represented the FDSEA of 04, representatives of the union were present by video.
“This has been going on for four years, we are not fooled. It is no longer possible. The working conditions of herd keepers cannot continue.”
The cause of their anger? There are several. The biggest problem remains that of agricultural employers who do not respect the labor code and their employees. Jean-Christophe comments: “This concerns the limit of compulsory maximum weekly working time, overtime which is not paid, compensation for the supply of our equipment, compensation for our dogs. But above all health and safety” .
According to their press release, the shepherds work 60 to 80 hours per week paid between 35 and 44 hours. They live in unsanitary and dangerous housing, which does not meet legal standards, without drinking water, heating or waterproof roof.
Still according to their press release, they are demanding compensation for their equipment and their shoes. They already receive a bonus of 50 euros, insufficient according to them. They receive no compensation for the food, care or maintenance of their dog.
An experience that is not valued, even after 20 years of seniority, they would still be paid the minimum wage. A salary that they consider largely insufficient for their workload: responsibility for a herd in difficult conditions.
A situation which risks “degenerating quickly for employers if it does not evolve quickly”, confides Jean-Christophe to BFM DICI. Collectives are organized in all territories according to them.
The next meeting with the FDSEA on 04 will take place in February. In the meantime, the shepherds intend to continue to mobilize.
