In France, strikes have paralyzed the work of 26 alcoholic beverage producers.

Photo by Pixabay, December 7, Minsk . In France, mass strikes have paralyzed the work of 26 companies producing wine, champagne, cognac, and other spirits, reports the LCI television channel. 

According to the channel, 80% of employees at Ruinart and Molt & Chandon in the Champagne-Ardenne region in northeastern France were on strike. They stopped work in protest against the management's decision to cancel the annual bonus. 

This is the first such incident since the bonus was introduced in 1967. Unions estimate that without these payments, wage losses will amount to approximately 10-15%, which is significant for some workers.

The decision to cancel the bonus may be due to poor performance in the sector. According to the channel, industry performance fell by 33% in the first quarter. The decline in 2024 is expected to be 36%. This is due to restrictions on the import of French cognac imposed by China, as well as declining consumption in the United States , the leading export market.

Media outlets emphasize that such strikes are rare for the luxury goods segment.