Brazil sues China carmaker BYD over 'slave-like' conditions
Summary
Brazilian authorities are taking legal action against Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD and two contractors, accusing them of human trafficking and poor working conditions at a construction site in Bahia. Investigators found 220 Chinese workers living in unsanitary and overcrowded conditions, leading to halted construction and demands for compensation.Key Facts
- Brazil's Public Labour Prosecutor's Office (MPT) is suing BYD and two contractors for alleged human trafficking and poor working conditions.
- Investigators rescued 220 Chinese workers from a factory site in Bahia, Brazil.
- The MPT seeks 257 million Brazilian reais ($45.5 million) in damages.
- Construction was stopped after finding cramped living conditions and hygiene issues.
- Workers were reportedly forced to sleep on beds without mattresses and share one toilet among 31 people.
- Passports were allegedly confiscated, and workers had illegal contracts with long hours and no rest days.
- Some workers had up to 70% of their salaries withheld and faced high costs to leave their jobs.
- The factory in Camacari was to be BYD's first electric vehicle plant outside Asia, expected to open by March 2025.
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