Social. Seasonal workers exploited during the grape harvest: cases decided by the courts

While the majority of operators are working to improve the working conditions of grape harvesters , others have to answer to the courts for treatment that is beyond comprehension. Lack of residence permits for foreign workers and even employment contracts for others, housed in unsanitary conditions, without being paid and working from sunrise to sunset without being fed or properly hydrated... investigations and cases have multiplied in recent years.

While the majority of these cases involved people of foreign origin, this is not always the case. "It's interesting to say that it can also be people in difficulty in France and French people who are looking for work and who are ready to do anything to support their families," recalls Geneviève Colas, founder of the "Together Against Human Trafficking" collective in response to these increasingly numerous situations.

The most recent case dates back to last July, when three people were sentenced to prison for exploiting around fifty workers in 2023. Alerted by local residents, the Marne labor inspectorate had carried out an inspection of the accommodation of immigrant workers, mainly from West Africa. The Châlons-en-Champagne prosecutor's office had noted that living and accommodation conditions "seriously undermined" the safety—particularly due to the electrical installations—health, and dignity of the occupants.

This isn't the first case of this type, and others are still awaiting trial. "It's taken a little more seriously by the courts. Fifteen years ago, we didn't talk about this at all. We said in France, 'it doesn't exist,'" recalls Geneviève Colas, who emphasizes greater awareness but would like to do more.

Her collective supports the national plan to combat trafficking, which has been implemented but is still not sufficient. "There is no national mechanism for identifying, guiding, and supporting victims," ​​laments the woman who would like to change mentalities. The association is "fighting for people to be recognized as victims, but also for those who sponsor the work to be brought to justice."