Authorities in Brazil have put a stop to the construction of a new factory for electric vehicle manufacturer BYD, after over 160 workers were found living under conditions that Brazilian law classifies as akin to "slavery." The Public Labour Prosecutor's Office (MPT) reported that these employees of Jinjiang Construction Brazil faced appalling living quarters in Camaçari, Bahia, where they had their passports and wages withheld, prompting claims of forced labor.
BYD Factory Construction Halted in Brazil Amid Worker Abuse Allegations
BYD Factory Construction Halted in Brazil Amid Worker Abuse Allegations
Brazilian officials intervene as over 160 workers are rescued from 'slavery-like' working conditions at a BYD factory site.
The factory, intended to be BYD's first EV plant outside Asia and set to begin operations by March 2025, has come under scrutiny as workers were forced to reside in overcrowded facilities where basic hygiene and living standards were severely inadequate. Reports indicated that many had to sleep on mattress-less beds and share a single bathroom with 31 others.
In response to the scandal, BYD severed ties with the construction company, asserting its commitment to adhere to Brazilian regulations. The company has moved the impacted workers to hotels and vowed to review living conditions for their subcontractors comprehensively. As one of the largest electric vehicle producers in the world, BYD has made significant strides in the Brazilian market, having first opened a factory in São Paulo in 2015.
The situation underscores a growing concern in international markets about labor practices linked to the production of Chinese-made vehicles. As tensions mount, particularly with U.S. administration policies, BYD's approach to worker welfare will be crucial for its continued expansion in Brazil and beyond.
In response to the scandal, BYD severed ties with the construction company, asserting its commitment to adhere to Brazilian regulations. The company has moved the impacted workers to hotels and vowed to review living conditions for their subcontractors comprehensively. As one of the largest electric vehicle producers in the world, BYD has made significant strides in the Brazilian market, having first opened a factory in São Paulo in 2015.
The situation underscores a growing concern in international markets about labor practices linked to the production of Chinese-made vehicles. As tensions mount, particularly with U.S. administration policies, BYD's approach to worker welfare will be crucial for its continued expansion in Brazil and beyond.
