(Wine-Searcher) - Investigation discovers staff abuse at LVMH-owned Champagne producers.

Employees of two Champagne houses have appeared in court accused of workplace bullying and sexual harassment.

The prosecution called for sentences ranging from six to 12 months at the Reims criminal court in Champagne on Friday, as a quartet of Krug and Veuve Clicquot employees appeared in court.

The investigation by the Reims police began in late 2013, following a damning report by health and safety inspectors. A dozen employees complained that they were victims of bullying or sexual harassment.

In court, three LVMH staff were accused of workplace bullying. Two of the three accused were delegates of the French labor union, the CGT, and are accused of humiliating and physically abusing staff, pressuring them to join the union and participate in strike action.

The prosecutor stated that the CGT was "not in question, but a group of people who have abused their power to intimidate union recruits and even executives".

The court also heard that an employee of Krug, who has since been sacked, was charged with sexually harassing three female co-workers. The prosecution demanded a six-month suspended sentence and a fine of €3000 ($3253).