As France enforces strict lockdowns, essential and non-essential workers alike voice growing anger. Those unable to telework, furlough, or care for children feel expendable for the economy's sake, compounded by fears of infecting loved ones. Many face suboptimal health and safety conditions daily.
Workers in non-essential sectors (beyond food, health, waste, and security) share testimonies on social media. They often lack gloves, masks, or hand sanitizer upon entering workplaces or visiting clients. With priority given to health and food sectors, equipping others proves challenging. Even university hospitals are turning to cloth masks due to FFP2 shortages for caregivers.
Managers in non-critical sectors implement what they deem adequate protocols. At Soitec in Crolles, non-teleworking staff are instructed to wash hands frequently, avoid handshakes, enter locker rooms singly, and opt for takeout meals in the canteen.
Given COVID-19's viability up to three hours on dry surfaces or in suspended air, the efficacy of such measures in curbing transmission warrants scrutiny.
At Precia Molen, field technicians receive disinfectant wipes and similar directives: handwashing, no handshakes, minimized gatherings. Clients provide on-site PPE like gloves, masks, and gel.
Company director René Colombel emphasized efforts to mitigate risks for staff and families. When pressed on responsibility for non-essential operations, he defended the measures. STMicroelectronics, a major employer, did not respond to inquiries.
Truck drivers and delivery personnel echo these sentiments online.
CM: How's work? Security for delivery drivers?
Jean-François, driver: "Dire... Scarce toilet facilities, no time to shop despite supermarket deliveries—only pricey highway stops."
CM: Requested masks and gel?
Jean-François: "Yes, but masks fail without site disinfection—handles, papers, everything contaminated. Gel targets bacteria, not viruses." Masks can still reduce hand-to-face transmission risks.
The government bears responsibility for permitting non-essential operations where telework isn't feasible. To ease hospital burdens, broader shutdowns in these sectors may be needed.
Social media buzzes with irony: "No family gatherings allowed, but mingle at work?"—risking home transmission.
Chantiers de l'Atlantique workers launched a walkout call: "Over 10,000 here while others confine!"
Amazon France staff demand stoppages without repercussions, as the company prioritizes essentials like baby goods, health items, food, and pet products.
Swiss Romandie unions call nationally to halt non-urgent production: "Lives over profits."
French police unions, including Alliance in Paris, Rhône-Alpes, and Haute-Garonne, threaten withdrawal rights over PPE shortages and family contamination risks.
Related articles:
Here's the mandatory travel certificate for lockdown outings
Grenoble University Hospital urges staff to sew fabric masks
COVID-19: 7,800 French cases, Italy slows, US uncertainty—pandemic update
