Brazil Sues BYD Over Alleged Slave Labor Conditions
Brazilian prosecutors are suing Chinese electric car giant BYD and two contracting companies for human trafficking and alleged slave labor conditions at a build site in Camacari, Bahia.
Details of the Allegations
The case concerns 220 Chinese workers found in December in conditions "analogous to slavery" at a BYD plant under construction. Bahia's regional ministry for works (MPT) found "degrading working conditions," including inadequate sleeping arrangements and sanitation facilities.
Laborers had "visible signs of skin damage" from working long hours under the sun. The MPT also suspected "forced labor," with illegal clauses in workers' contracts, passports confiscated, and the employer withholding as much as 70 percent of their salary. Workers were monitored by armed guards.
BYD's Response
After the allegations were made public, BYD's Brazilian subsidiary said it had broken its contract with the Jinjiang subsidiary responsible for work on the site. Jinjiang denied the slavery allegation.
Legal Action and Demands
The MPT is seeking 257 million reais ($45.3 million) for "collective moral damages," as well as individual payments for each worker. The civil suit against BYD, Jinjiang and Tonghe Intelligent Equipment (now Tecmonta) was filed after the companies refused to sign a "conduct adjustment agreement" proposed by Brazilian authorities.
China's Response
China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said that Beijing "places great importance on protecting and safeguarding workers' legitimate rights and interests," and requires Chinese companies to "operate in compliance with laws and regulations."