In a significant move, Brazilian authorities have suspended the construction of BYD's factory, citing severe labor violations.
**Brazil Halts BYD Construction Over Allegations of Slavery Conditions**
**Brazil Halts BYD Construction Over Allegations of Slavery Conditions**
Authorities rescue over 160 workers in deplorable living conditions linked to Chinese EV manufacturer's factory site.
The Brazilian government has taken decisive action against BYD, a prominent Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, by halting the construction of its factory in Bahia due to allegations of labor conditions likened to slavery. The Public Labour Prosecutor's Office (MPT) reported that over 160 workers were rescued from deplorable environments, reportedly experiencing conditions akin to forced labor, as their living conditions were described as "degrading" and their passports and wages were withheld by the contracting company, Jinjiang Construction Brazil.
Specific details reveal that workers were crammed into inadequate accommodations in Camaçari, where some were forced to sleep on bunk beds with no mattresses, and they shared a single bathroom among 31 individuals. These conditions prompted the MPT to classify the situation as "slavery-like," violating Brazilian labor laws that protect human dignity and prevent debt bondage.
BYD has responded by severing ties with the construction firm responsible and assured the public of its commitment to adhere to Brazilian laws regarding labor practices. Affected workers have since been relocated to hotels, as BYD promises further investigation into the conditions of subcontracted employees.
BYD remains one of the most significant players in the global electric vehicle market, even outpacing Tesla in sales during the last quarter of 2023. The factory, initially slated for operation in March 2025, marks BYD's first venture outside of Asia in electric vehicle production, following substantial investments in their Brazilian operations since entering the market in 2015.
Despite facilitating growth in electric vehicle sales domestically through government subsidies, concerns persist globally regarding perceived unfair advantages granted to Chinese automakers, leading to tariffs and trade tensions in major markets like the US and EU.
Specific details reveal that workers were crammed into inadequate accommodations in Camaçari, where some were forced to sleep on bunk beds with no mattresses, and they shared a single bathroom among 31 individuals. These conditions prompted the MPT to classify the situation as "slavery-like," violating Brazilian labor laws that protect human dignity and prevent debt bondage.
BYD has responded by severing ties with the construction firm responsible and assured the public of its commitment to adhere to Brazilian laws regarding labor practices. Affected workers have since been relocated to hotels, as BYD promises further investigation into the conditions of subcontracted employees.
BYD remains one of the most significant players in the global electric vehicle market, even outpacing Tesla in sales during the last quarter of 2023. The factory, initially slated for operation in March 2025, marks BYD's first venture outside of Asia in electric vehicle production, following substantial investments in their Brazilian operations since entering the market in 2015.
Despite facilitating growth in electric vehicle sales domestically through government subsidies, concerns persist globally regarding perceived unfair advantages granted to Chinese automakers, leading to tariffs and trade tensions in major markets like the US and EU.
