Brazil Sues China’s BYD Over Allegations of Slave Labor Conditions

Prosecutors in Brazil have filed a lawsuit against BYD and two contractors over human trafficking and slave labor allegations at a construction site. 220 Chinese workers faced degrading conditions, prompting a demand for $45.3 million in collective damages. BYD has responded by terminating its contract with the contractor involved.

Brazilian prosecutors have initiated a lawsuit against China’s BYD, an electric vehicle manufacturer, along with two contracting firms, over serious allegations of human trafficking and slave labor conditions at a construction site in Camacari, located in Bahia. The legal documents reviewed by AFP on Thursday detail how 220 Chinese workers were discovered in conditions described as being “analogous to slavery” at the site, which is anticipated to become BYD’s largest electric car facility outside of Asia.

The accusations stem from findings by Bahia’s regional labor ministry (MPT) in December, which reported the presence of “degrading working conditions.” Reports indicate that workers were found sleeping on barren floors without mattresses, while an alarming situation was noted where 31 individuals had to share a single bathroom. Moreover, many laborers displayed “visible signs of skin damage” after extended hours of working under the harsh sun.

Further investigation by the MPT revealed suspicions of “forced labor,” with contracts deemed illegal and workers’ passports confiscated. Additionally, employers reportedly withheld nearly 70 percent of the workers’ salaries, all while armed guards monitored them. Following these troubling reveals, BYD’s Brazilian branch announced the termination of its contract with Jinjiang, the contractor tasked with managing labor at the site, although Jinjiang has strongly denied the slavery claims.

The MPT is demanding a staggering 257 million reais (approximately $45.3 million) in “collective moral damages,” alongside individual compensation for the affected workers. This civil suit was filed after BYD, Jinjiang, and Tonghe Intelligent Equipment (now Tecmonta) declined to agree to a proposed “conduct adjustment agreement” from Brazilian authorities, as stated by the MPT.

In response to the allegations, BYD released a statement asserting its ongoing cooperation with the MPT and reiterated its commitment to uphold human and labor rights, aligning with both Brazilian laws and international labor standards. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, Mao Ning, emphasized the government’s dedication to ‘protecting and safeguarding workers’ legitimate rights and interests’ and reiterated the necessity for Chinese companies to comply with legal frameworks.

In summary, Brazil’s lawsuit against BYD and its contractors highlights severe allegations of human trafficking and exploitative labor conditions at a construction site. With the involvement of over 200 Chinese workers who reportedly endured harsh and degrading conditions, the case aims to hold these companies accountable. The MPT’s push for significant financial damages underscores the serious nature of these allegations, with BYD asserting its commitment to employee rights amidst the legal proceedings.

Original Source: www.communitynewspapergroup.com