Champagne workers defend collective agreement in France

Workers in France's prestigious champagne sector have taken to the streets to defend their collective agreement, which they fear is being eroded. Protests in Épernay saw up to 650 participants, according to organizers, demonstrating against the Union of Champagne Houses' (UMC) decision not to renew a key clause in their agreement starting in 2027.

The disputed clause, in place since 2019, previously excluded absences for reasons such as school enrollment and blood donation from the calculation of year-end bonuses, often referred to as the 13th and 14th months. The UMC stated its decision stemmed from legal actions initiated by some employees who argued that strikes should also not affect these bonuses, a stance the UMC claims contradicts the agreement's intent.

However, the CGT Champagne union vehemently opposes this move, labeling it an "act of war" and a "direct attack on the social status of champagne workers." Philippe Cothenet, deputy secretary general of CGT Champagne, believes the UMC aims to "erode" and ultimately "destroy" what he describes as "one of the best collective agreements in France, if not Europe."

The UMC maintains that the right to strike remains unaffected and that, as with other absences not considered effective work time, strikes will continue to reduce the year-end bonus amount. The organization has proposed alternative compensation to offset the financial impact of removing the exclusions for school enrollment and blood donation absences. A new meeting between the UMC and unions is scheduled for July 23. The CGT is also demanding a 3% salary increase due to rising living costs and plans further strikes in August.