Construction at BYD’s new electric vehicle (EV) plant in Brazil was halted after authorities found Chinese workers in “slavery-like” conditions. The workers, hired by contractor Jinjiang Group, were subjected to extreme conditions including limited bathrooms, early morning wake-up calls, and no mattresses or proper kitchens.
BYD has since cut ties with Jinjiang and is assisting the victims, transferring them to hotels and terminating their contracts. The company has committed to complying with Brazilian labor laws and protecting workers’ rights. A joint virtual hearing is scheduled for December 26 to investigate further.
This incident highlights the need for companies to demand better wages and working conditions for their Chinese manufacturing partners. BYD’s situation serves as a wake-up call for the industry, emphasizing the importance of independent audits to ensure fair treatment for all workers worldwide.
Source: https://electrek.co/2024/12/24/byd-ev-plant-brazil-suddenly-halted-over-slavery-conditions