A recent human trafficking trial in France has led to the conviction of three individuals for their mistreatment of harvest workers in the Champagne region. This trial has drawn significant attention, particularly regarding the conditions faced by over 50 workers, many of whom were undocumented migrants.
The court in Châlons-en-Champagne sentenced the defendants for their roles in recruiting and exploiting workers for the 2023 grape harvest. The regional trade body, Comité Champagne, was actively involved in the prosecution. Reports from the trial revealed harrowing accounts from the victims, with one worker stating they were treated "like slaves." Evidence was presented in the form of video footage from France 3 / France Télévisions, which depicted the poor living conditions of workers who lacked running water and electricity. They were forced to work grueling 12-hour days, with inadequate food provided.
Among those convicted was a woman from Kyrgyzstan, who managed a service agency. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, while two other men in their 30s faced part-suspended sentences. The court ordered the defendants to pay €4,000 to each victim.
The Comité Champagne issued a strong statement following the verdict, reiterating its commitment to a "zero tolerance" approach towards such offenses. They emphasized that the situation was serious and unacceptable, underlining their responsibility to protect seasonal workers and maintain the region’s reputation. The organization asserted its readiness to join prosecutions in similar cases and highlighted an action plan initiated last year aimed at improving conditions for harvest workers.
This high-profile case shines a light on the enduring issues of labor exploitation within the agricultural sector, particularly for seasonal workers in regions like Champagne, which employs around 120,000 seasonal workers annually.
For further reading, check the related articles on the French wine crisis and the Champagne releases for spring & summer 2025.