ADS
The construction of a factory for the Chinese electric vehicle company BYD in Brazil has come to a halt as Brazilian authorities uncovered appalling conditions in which over 160 Chinese nationals were residing and working. The laborers, stationed at a construction site in the northeastern state of Bahia, were found to be toiling for extensive hours, sometimes seven days a week, and living in deplorable accommodations.
The workers, employed by a contractor named Jinjiang Construction Brazil, were reportedly unable to leave the premises without authorization, with more than 100 of them having their passports confiscated. These laborers were recruited in China and brought to Brazil for the construction project.
Investigations by the public labor prosecutor’s office began back in November, eventually leading to the discovery of “slavery-like” conditions in which these workers were operating. The prosecutors revealed that the workers were subjected to working conditions that did not meet basic safety standards, putting their health and well-being at risk.
In Brazil, slavery-like conditions entail forced labor, inhumane working conditions, excessive work hours detrimental to health, debt bondage, and any form of work that violates human dignity. The living conditions of the workers were also found to be dire, with over 600 employees sleeping on cots, sharing inadequate restroom facilities, and having meals stored in unsanitary conditions.
Food was improperly stored near restrooms due to a lack of kitchen space, with prepared meals left exposed to dirt and not refrigerated. Most employees were forced to eat their meals while lying on their mattresses, highlighting the grim conditions in which they were living and working.
Authorities described the accommodations as displaying a distressing level of degradation and precariousness. In response, BYD swiftly terminated its contract with Jinjiang for a portion of the factory’s work, affirming that it does not condone any violations of Brazilian law or human dignity. The company also expressed its intent to consider other appropriate actions in addressing the situation.
Established in 1995 as a battery manufacturer, BYD has grown to become one of the leading electric vehicle manufacturers worldwide. Headquartered in Pingshan near Shenzhen, the company is headed by Wang Chuanfu, often likened to China’s Elon Musk. BYD emphasized its commitment to upholding Brazilian law and human dignity, stating that it has been operating in the country for a decade while consistently abiding by local regulations and maintaining ethical standards.
In response to the situation, BYD announced that all affected employees would be relocated to nearby hotels while initiating a thorough evaluation of the living and working conditions of all workers employed by contractors on the project. The company reiterated its dedication to respecting human dignity, integrity, and ensuring that all employees are treated with fairness and decency.
Overall, the discovery of the “slavery-like” conditions in which the Chinese nationals were living and working has highlighted the need for greater scrutiny and enforcement of labor standards in Brazil’s construction industry. As authorities investigate further and BYD takes steps to address the situation, it is imperative that all companies involved in such projects prioritize the well-being and rights of their workers to prevent such exploitative practices in the future.
