Champagne Workers Strike Over Bonus Cuts at LVMH Giants
Workers at LVMH’s champagne houses, Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot, are preparing for renewed strike action next Thursday, instigated by the CGT labor union. The union is demanding compensation for reduced employee bonuses, escalating a dispute with the luxury conglomerate.
In a video message released Friday, CGT representatives urged workers to cease tasks for a minimum of three hours. This follows initial protests last month triggered by cuts to annual bonuses and other benefits within LVMH, despite the company’s overall position as the world’s largest luxury group.
LVMH has yet to issue a public statement addressing the labor dispute. When contacted by Reuters on Friday, Moët Hennessy, LVMH’s alcohol division, declined to provide immediate comment.
Management proposed a one-time payment of 1,000 euros (approximately $1,162.20) to employees as an alternative to the customary annual bonuses, citing a decline in sales. However, the CGT has deemed this offer insufficient, stating it “is not at the height of our expectations.”
A CGT official emphasized the need for continued pressure on the company in the video message, also noting that further negotiations are scheduled for Wednesday. Currently, the planned strike action is limited to the champagne units, with no announcements of similar action at other LVMH drinks businesses, such as Hennessy cognac.
