Brazil Sues China’s BYD Over ‘Slavery’ Conditions on Build Site

Brazilian prosecutors have filed a lawsuit against BYD and two contractors for human trafficking and labor violations at a construction site in Bahia, where 220 Chinese workers were found in conditions akin to slavery. Allegations include degrading working conditions, forced labor, and significant wage withholding. The case seeks substantial damages after the companies failed to agree to a corrective deal.

In a surprising legal move, Brazilian prosecutors have filed a lawsuit against BYD, the prominent Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, over allegations of human trafficking and severe labor rights violations. This development, which surfaced in reports from AFP, focuses on a construction site where significant accusations were made regarding the treatment of workers.

The lawsuit pertains to a group of 220 Chinese laborers who were discovered in shocking conditions that authorities described as being “analogous to slavery”. This took place at a BYD plant under construction in Camacari, Bahia—an important new site set to be the company’s largest electric vehicle facility outside of Asia.

In December, Brazil’s regional Ministry of Works revealed an investigation that chronicled alarming findings of degrading working conditions. According to their reports, workers were forced to sleep without mattresses. Some even had to share a single bathroom among 31 individuals, leading to serious concerns about hygiene.

Further compounding these issues, many laborers reportedly exhibited visible signs of skin damage, likely due to excessive exposure to the sun during long working hours. The Ministry of Works also suggested that forced labor practices were happening on-site; contracts allegedly contained illegal provisions, with workers’ passports being confiscated, and much as 70 percent of their salaries withheld by the employer interestingly watched over by armed guards.

Following the emergence of these disturbing claims, BYD’s Brazilian branch claimed it had terminated its contract with Jinjiang, the contractor responsible for activities at the site. However, Jinjiang has denied all allegations associated with slavery.

The Ministry is targeting damages amounting to 257 million reais, approximately $45.3 million, for what it describes as “collective moral damages,” in addition to individual payments for each affected worker. The civil suit was initiated after BYD and its partners, Jinjiang and Tonghe Intelligent Equipment (which has since rebranded to Tecmonta), declined to enter into a proposed agreement to rectify the alleged violations.

In response to the mounting criticism, BYD issued a statement asserting that it has cooperated fully with the Ministry from the outset and emphasized its commitment to upholding human and labor rights, stating that it strictly adheres to both Brazilian laws and international labor standards.

In a related note, the Chinese foreign ministry has weighed in on the matter. Spokeswoman Mao Ning highlighted the importance Beijing places on protecting workers’ rights, reinforcing that Chinese businesses must operate within the legal frameworks of the countries they are in.

This lawsuit against BYD signals an important legal and ethical challenge in labor rights standards, particularly regarding foreign companies operating in Brazil. The outcome could reshape the narrative surrounding labor conditions not only for BYD but for the broader electric vehicle industry. As investigations continue, the eyes of both national and international communities will be watching closely. The implications of these findings might resonate well beyond the immediate parties involved.

Original Source: www.communitynewspapergroup.com