Finisterra (Biocoop): salary and managerial policy put to the test

On Saturday, in front of the Kerbio Siam store, Yann Clugery, the chairman of the board of directors, was questioned directly but in a respectful manner by employees and members. (Photo Le Télégramme/Jean-Luc Padellec)

Discrimination syndicale ?

First point of contention: the situation of Régis, employee of the Kerbio Siam store, summoned on Friday to an interview prior to dismissal. The timing raises questions. On May 12, during the general meeting in Lesneven, this employee spoke and proposed his candidacy to the supervisory board. However, two days earlier, he had already been the subject of a disciplinary summons. The union claims that its union membership was explicitly mentioned by management on May 28. “It looks like union discrimination,” points out Julie Le Goic, a rebellious elected official in the City of Brest, but also a member of the cooperative, this Saturday, facing the president.

This looks like union discrimination.

In a press release sent this Monday to Télégramme, the cooperative refuses to comment on a “strictly confidential” individual procedure.

At minimum wage after 15 years of seniority

But the discomfort actually seems deeper. Employees and members point out a gap between the social and solidarity economy model touted to customers, and a salary policy which confines the majority of its employees to the minimum wage. “After 15 years of service, some are still on minimum wage. I earn €1,481 net full-time, with tasks that go beyond my job description,” illustrates Marjorie Josefiak, union representative. 

I earn €1,481 net full-time, carrying out tasks that go beyond my job description.

“Do we want to support a cooperative company that treats its employees like this?”, asks a customer. Management defends itself by invoking the economic balance of the structure. She also lists her social achievements such as a 20-year-old profit-sharing mechanism, a 25% cash discount or family mutual insurance.

As for Biocoop’s national recommendation of “Smic + 10%”, the company points out that these are only adaptable guidelines. Aware nevertheless “that expectations exist on the subject”, she says she remains open to social dialogue, while the obligatory annual negotiations begin this Tuesday.

Normally, one member equals one vote. But when you want to ask a question, it’s never the time.

Governance considered opaque

“One member equals one vote. But when we want to raise a question, it’s never the time,” deplore some members (there are 28,000 in total) denouncing opaque governance and confused roles between the supervisory board and the management board. “We are a consumer cooperative and not a Scop,” reframe the two bodies, which have taken note of “the questions about the readability of the operation.” For its part, the CGT is calling for a new mobilization on Friday June 19, in front of the cooperative’s headquarters in Kerbio Europe, where the employee is received for his preliminary interview.