Workers found in "slavery-like conditions" at BYD construction site [View all]

Brazilian authorities have halted construction of a BYD electric vehicle (EV) factory in Brazil’s Bahia state after rescuing 163 Chinese workers from what they described as “slavery-like conditions.” The workers were employed by Jinjiang Construction Brazil Ltd., a subcontractor hired to build the plant for the Chinese EV manufacturer.

The Labor Prosecutor’s Office reported that workers were subjected to dire living conditions, had their passports confiscated and 60% of their wages withheld. Following the report, BYD terminated its relationship with Jinjiang Construction and vowed to safeguard subcontracted workers’ rights.

On Friday, Brazilian authorities suspended the issuance of temporary work visas for BYD. In their report, the Labor Prosecutor’s Office said that workers were being brought to Brazil irregularly and were victims of human trafficking.

A pattern of exploitation

The investigation uncovered numerous labor abuses, including overcrowded accommodations with inadequate facilities. One dormitory reportedly had only one bathroom for 31 workers, forcing them to wake up at 4 a.m. daily to prepare for a 5:30 a.m. departure to the worksite.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/workers-found-in-slavery-like-conditions-at-byd-construction-site/ar-AA1wDbxM