Champagne Industry Under Fire: Workers' Rights Crisis Exposed in Reims Trial

A trial in Reims reveals horrific conditions faced by seasonal workers in the champagne industry, with accusations of human trafficking leading to urgent calls for reform and better protections for vulnerable laborers.

 

A major human trafficking trial has begun in Reims, France, exposing the harsh realities faced by seasonal workers in the champagne industry. Three individuals—a Kyrgyz woman, a Georgian man, and a Frenchman—are accused of exploiting over 50 undocumented migrant laborers, predominantly from West Africa, during the recent grape harvest.

The seasonal workers were found living in deplorable conditions in a facility located in Nesle-le-Repons, near the heart of champagne production. They were recruited through a WhatsApp message targeting the Soninke community in Paris, promising lucrative jobs in the Champagne region. These workers, whose ages range from 16 to 65, hail from countries including Mali, Mauritania, Ivory Coast, and Senegal.

Testimonies reveal a harrowing existence. One migrant, Kanouitié Djakariayou, recounted how the workers were housed in a dilapidated building with only makeshift mattresses on the floor. "There was no clean water, and the only food was a bowl of rice and rotten sandwiches," Djakariayou stated, expressing his disbelief that champagne producers would subject them to such abhorrent living conditions.

Labor inspectors, alerted by a local resident, found severe violations regarding the migrants' health and safety. State prosecutor Annick Browne described the unsanitary situation, noting that living quarters lacked protection from the elements, toilets were filthy, and the sanitation facilities were inadequate. The migrants were forced to work long hours—up to ten a day—without proper contracts or fair compensation, transported to vineyards in the backs of trucks.

The leading accused, Svetlana G., operated a recruitment agency that provided laborers to the wine industry. In addition to human trafficking charges, she faces allegations of employing undocumented workers and placing vulnerable individuals in hazardous living conditions. If convicted, the trio could face lengthy prison sentences.

This case highlights broader exploitation issues within the €6 billion champagne sector, which relies heavily on approximately 120,000 seasonal workers each autumn. Tragically, six grape pickers died from suspected heatstroke during this year's harvest, raising alarm over worker safety and the treatment of laborers in the industry.

Trade unions have criticized some champagne producers for obscuring their use of illegal labor through intermediaries and are calling for legislative changes. Proposals include stripping the "champagne" label from producers found guilty of engaging in exploitative practices.

In contrast, the Comité Champagne, representing producers, claims that instances of worker mistreatment are rare and swiftly addressed when uncovered. The organization is participating in the trial as a civil plaintiff, acknowledging the negative impact on the champagne brand caused by these alarming revelations.