Brazilian Prosecutors Launch Lawsuit Against BYD Over Labor Violations

Brazilian prosecutors sue BYD and contractors over slave-like conditions affecting 220 Chinese workers, seeking $50 million in damages. The suit arises from allegations of deceitful hiring and dismal living standards at a construction site in Bahia.

On Tuesday, Brazilian prosecutors announced the filing of a lawsuit against BYD, a major Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, along with two of its contractors. The accusations center around allegations of utilizing workers in slave-like conditions and possible international human trafficking. The labor office in Bahia is demanding approximately 257 million Brazilian reais—equivalent to $50 million—in damages from BYD, China JinJiang Construction Brazil, and Tecmonta Equipamentos Inteligentes.

This legal action arises from a previous investigation that uncovered poor living conditions for about 220 Chinese workers at BYD’s construction site in Camaçari. The workers reportedly arrived in Brazil under misleading circumstances and held visas that did not correspond to their actual roles. Prosecutors described the conditions as profoundly degrading, citing that workers were housed in unacceptable environments; many slept on beds lacking mattresses and had no real personal space, with their belongings placed next to their food.

Additionally, sanitation facilities were described as inadequate. Reports indicate that there were only a few bathrooms, and no provisions were made for gender-segregated usage. In one instance, there was reportedly just one toilet available for 31 individuals, necessitating that many wake up as early as 4 a.m. to manage their personal hygiene before starting work.

As for BYD, they have not provided a comment in response to a request from The Associated Press. However, a spokesperson from the company had previously refuted claims regarding poor conditions back in December, attributing such allegations to attempts at undermining China and its brands.

Brazilian prosecutors are taking significant action against BYD for alleged labor violations, seeking substantial damages while highlighting grave living and working conditions for workers. This lawsuit not only raises serious questions about labor practices within foreign companies operating in Brazil, but it may also prompt a broader examination of labor rights in the rapidly growing electric vehicle sector.

Original Source: www.newsday.com