In a stark response to the relentless drought crippling Catalonia’s Penedes region, Freixenet, the Spanish cava (wine) producer, unveils a drastic plan. The company has announced its intention to temporarily lay off a staggering 615 workers, representing nearly 80 per cent of its workforce.
This move is one of the first such actions taken by a major company in the region.
The company has been grappling with the harsh realities of climate change. The Mediterranean stronghold of Catalonia, once lush and vibrant, now faces the brunt of fossil-fuel-driven environmental upheaval. Under Spain’s ERTE law, designed for unprecedented circumstances, the company seeks solace in temporary measures, suspending contracts as a means of survival.
With uncertainty looming over the future, Freixenet remains tight-lipped on the timeline for reinstating its workforce, as the law provides no definitive mandate. Citing the need for adaptability amid fluctuating conditions, the company underscores the gravity of its decision, emphasising the imperative to safeguard both business continuity and employee welfare.
Yet, amidst this turmoil, the voices of the affected workers remain unheard for now, their unions silent in the face of adversity.
As Spain grapples with record-breaking temperatures and historic dry spells, the urgency of climate action reverberates across the nation. Clearly, the toll of climate change is undeniable. As scientists link extreme weather patterns to human-induced climate shifts, the fate of Catalonia’s iconic landscapes hangs in balance.
Freixenet is one of the largest and most well-known producers of cava worldwide, with its products being exported to over 150 countries. The company is particularly famous for its distinctive black bottle, which has become an iconic symbol of Spanish sparkling wine.