Brazilian authorities have halted construction of a BYD electric vehicle (EV) factory in the Brazilian state of Bahia after rescuing 163 Chinese workers from what they called “slave-like conditions.” [emphasis, links added]
The workers were employed by Jinjiang Construction Brazil Ltd., a subcontractor building factories for the Chinese electric car maker.
The Labor Prosecutor's Office reported that The workers' living conditions were extremely poor, their passports were confiscated and 60% of their wages were withheld.
After the report was published, BYD terminated its partnership with Jinjiang Construction and pledged to safeguard the rights of subcontracted workers.
On Friday, Brazilian authorities suspended the issuance of temporary work visas to BYD. The Labor Prosecutor’s Office stated in its report that Workers are brought irregularly to Brazil and become victims of human trafficking.
a mode of exploitation
The investigation uncovered numerous labor abuses, including overcrowded accommodation and inadequate facilities.
One dormitory for 31 workers reportedly had only one bathroomforcing them to get up at 4 a.m. every day and prepare to leave for the construction site at 5:30 a.m.
Source: Brazilian Labor Prosecutor’s Office
Other charges include wage withholding and unreasonable cost deductions. Workers who quit before completing six months of work are not paid because The company will deduct the cost of airfare to and from Brazil.
An employee suffered an accident after working for 25 consecutive days. The authorities have closed these accommodation facilities until they meet regulatory standards.
BYD reviews conditions weeks before plant closures
BYD said in a statement that it had conducted a “detailed review” of working and living conditions at the site over the past few weeks and had “repeatedly” asked Jinjiang Construction to make improvements.
BYD expressed regret for the situation and emphasized its commitment to Brazilian labor laws and workers' rights.
“BYD Brasil reaffirms its commitment to full compliance with Brazilian legislation, especially with regard to the protection of workers' rights and human dignity,” said Alexandre Baldy, BYD Brazil Senior Vice President.
The company has moved workers to hotels and pledged to protect the rights of subcontracted workers.
BYD spokesman Li Yunfei was more critical of the labor prosecutor's office report.
“In terms of smearing Chinese brands, discrediting China, and attempting to undermine China-Pakistan friendship, the spokesperson wrote in a statement on his Weibo social media site account on Thursday. We have seen how relevant foreign forces maliciously colluded and deliberately smeared China.“
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