Due to an administration that is too finicky, some six hundred oyster producers in Charente-Maritime risk not being able to fulfill all their orders for Christmas.
A tragedy in perspective for lovers of this festive product, one in two of whom only consume it on this occasion.
But also for the 4,000 seasonal workers hired to ship this precious shellfish.
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Indeed the regional directorate of the economy, employment, work and solidarities (Dreets), which for decades collectively authorized oyster farmers to work on Sundays in December to compensate for an increase in activity, has just refused them this right. "
She asked that the oyster farmers henceforth make an individual request, which is moreover motivated, to be able to remain open on Sundays",
deplores Laurent Champeau, director of the regional shellfish farming committee (CRC) who fears that this surprising and late requirement of the Dreets does mean a denial
.
The last fifteen days of the year represent for some oyster farmers more than 50% of their annual sales.
"To meet this demand, we have to work 7 days a week,"
assures Thierry Gillardeau, boss of the eponymous company, elected from the CRC.
Some days in December we ship three times more than our maximum daily packing capacity.
We must therefore anticipate, including Sunday so that the products arrive on time ”
.
To obtain the benevolence of the administration, Thierry Gillardeau wrote to the President of the Republic.
Will he be heard?