Breaking News: Coastal Communities Tackle Seasonal Worker Shortage with New Housing and Travel Initiatives
Faced with the perennial challenge of finding seasonal workers on the coast, state and local communities have joined forces to improve housing and travel conditions for these essential workers. This initiative aims to address the critical shortage of seasonal staff, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors, which are vital to the region’s economy.
The Seasonal Worker Dilemma
Every summer, business leaders in the tourism sector, especially those in the catering industry, struggle to find seasonal workers. The issue is particularly acute on the coast, where the survival of many establishments depends on these workers. Jacques Mestre, a restaurateur at La Grande-Motte and chair of the Union of the Hotel Trades and Industries (UMIH) Hérault, highlights the difficulties faced by businesses.
“It has been difficult since the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mestre said. “Like last year, I still have to close one day a week. Before looking at a seasonal CV, I ask if they have accommodation and a means of transport.”
Addressing Accommodation Challenges
The shortage of affordable housing is a significant barrier for seasonal workers. Stéphan Rossignol, president of the Pays de l’Or agglomeration and mayor of Grande-Motte, notes the stark numbers: “On the agglomeration of the Pays de l’Or, we have 8,650 seasonal workers identified and 3,600 missing beds. On the agglo Terre de Camargue, around the Grau-du-Roi, there are 3,360 seasonal workers for 1,000 missing beds.”
To alleviate this, the “seasonal coastal” system, piloted by the State, is being expanded from July 1 to August 31. This initiative increases the number of beds available through partnerships with Crous Occitanie, Action Housing, and Habitat Jeunes. “We offer 1,284 accommodation offers including 451 in Montpellier, 218 in Béziers, 152 in Castelnau, 131 in Lattes, 114 in Mauguio, 110 in Pérols, 65 in Sète, and 43 in Agde,” Rossignol said.
Improving Travel Conditions
Facilitating travel is another key aspect of the “Littoral saisonnier” system. The agglomeration of the Pays de l’Or has extended the schedules of its night lines to the Pérols Pond de l’Or tram station. The last shuttles will stop at strategic points, ensuring that workers can safely return home. This initiative is part of a broader effort to bring security and convenience to seasonal workers.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
The shortage of seasonal workers is an enormous economic issue, as these jobs represent 42.5% of recruitment projects in Hérault. While the context is gradually improving, employers still face challenges. “These years, we had welcomed less than 500 people at the seasonal employment coast forum. But in March, it was a great success with 1,500 visitors for a thousand offers to be filled,” Rossignol recalled.
Private establishments capture most of the seasonal workers, but communities also recruit significantly. Seasonal workers are crucial for cleaning beaches, working at leisure centers, and maintaining municipal services.
Practical Tips for Seasonal Workers
For those looking to secure seasonal work, it’s essential to stay informed about available housing and job opportunities. The website “My seasonal housing Hérault” lists 4,000 offers, 25% of which are in hotels and catering. Pauline, a seasonal worker from Besançon, advises, “I set a limit of €450 for rent. It can be around Montpellier since I have the car. But I can also take public transport because it’s complicated to park in Montpellier and on the coast.”
This collaborative effort between the state and local communities is a significant step forward in addressing the seasonal worker shortage. As the summer season kicks off, hundreds of job opportunities remain available, making it an excellent time for job seekers to find meaningful work in the coastal region.
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