Human Trafficking Trial Highlights Exploitation of Seasonal Champagne Workers in Reims

The trial in Reims, France, against three individuals accused of human trafficking underscores the plight of seasonal workers in the champagne industry. Over 50 undocumented migrants faced dire living conditions while working in vineyards. The case raises significant concerns over labor exploitation and legal protections for vulnerable workers.

A significant trial has unfolded in the eastern French city of Reims, focusing on the alarming human trafficking practices within the champagne industry. Three defendants – a Kyrgyz woman, a Georgian man, and a French national – are accused of exploiting over 50 seasonal workers, primarily from West Africa.

During the recent September grape harvest, undocumented workers were discovered in deplorable living conditions at Nesle-le-Repons, located in the heart of the champagne-producing region. Recruited through a WhatsApp message targeting the West African Soninke community in Paris, these workers were promised lucrative job opportunities. However, aged between 16 and 65, the group faced harsh realities.

“Agents would verbally abuse us in Russian and packed us into a decrepit house, with just mattresses on the floor,” shared Kanouitié Djakariayou, a 44-year-old migrant. “There was no access to clean water, and the only sustenance provided was rice and spoiled sandwiches.”

Another affected worker, Doumbia Mamadou, highlighted the psychological toll of their ordeal, stating they had received no proper support after their traumatic experiences, a situation exacerbated by their undocumented status.

Labour inspections initiated after local complaints illuminated a disturbing picture of living conditions that severely jeopardized the workers' safety and health, according to state prosecutor Annick Browne. Findings included unprotected common areas, dilapidated toilets, inadequate shower facilities, and serious electrical hazards.

The prosecution also revealed that these workers toiled for ten hours daily, receiving scant breaks and minimal remuneration. Many lacked written contracts, and the compensation for their labor bore no correlation to their actual efforts.

Maxime Cessieux, representing some workers, expressed outrage over the total disregard for human dignity exhibited by the defendants. The primary accused, a 44-year-old woman, operated a recruitment agency focused on staffing the wine sector, while her associates reportedly facilitated the illegal operations.

Facing multiple charges related to human trafficking, underpaid labor, and housing vulnerable individuals in unsuitable conditions, the trio could receive prison sentences of up to seven years, alongside hefty fines.

This case has sparked broader discussions about labor exploitation within the €6 billion champagne sector, which employs approximately 120,000 seasonal workers each autumn, often sourced through recruitment agencies. Alarmingly, six grape pickers died from suspected heatstroke during the recent harvest, with prior incidents of labor maltreatment in the industry.

Trade unions have advocated for legal reform, arguing that champagne producers should be held accountable for any illegal labor conditions, including those perpetuated by intermediaries. “Champagne harvesting should not be synonymous with human suffering,” asserted Jose Blanco from the CGT union.

In contrast, the Comité Champagne, which represents producers, contended that worker mistreatment is infrequent and promptly addressed upon discovery. Nonetheless, it has joined the trial as a civil plaintiff, acknowledging the harm inflicted on the champagne brand by these abuses.